52nd MDG prepares to close Bitburg ER Published June 21, 2007 By Staff Sgt. Tammie Moore 52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, GERMANY -- The 52nd Medical Group is changing July 1 when the emergency room doors permanently close at 11:59 p.m. When the doors reopen July 2 at 3 p.m., it will be an Extended Care Clinic. The ECC offers the same standard of care currently provided in the primary care clinics such as family practice and pediatrics; however the ECC will not function as an ER. Instead, German hospitals will provide emergency care. The clinic is open Mondays through Fridays from 3 - 8:30 p.m. and weekends, holidays, training and goal days from 8 a.m. to noon by appointment only. The changes at the clinic are the result of manpower, base realignments and mission changes in U.S. Air Forces in Europe and throughout the Air Force, which have significantly decreased the population size. "This decrease in patient population means it no longer makes economic sense to keep a fully staffed hospital in the Eifel," said Col. Jay Neubauer, 52nd Medical Group commander. "Here, a surgeon who would typically handle about 2,000 cases a year, handles less than 200. With smaller case loads and less hands-on practice, it is difficult for us medics to stay proficient in our specialty. The emergency room sees less than a handful of true emergencies daily. Additionally, the actual cost of obstetrics care deliveries at the Bitburg Annex hospital is almost twice what it costs downtown." When faced with an emergency situation, Tech. Sgt. Eveline Kown, 52nd MDG, NCOIC of TRICARE Operations and Patient Administration, offers the following advice. "If you are unsure as to whether your medical condition warrants visiting a host nation ER, call the TRICARE Europe Nurse Advice Line and a registered nurse will provide guidance as to whether you should proceed to an ER, can self-treat, or safely wait and visit a provider the next day," Sergeant Kown said. "In the event of a medical emergency, Sabers and their family members will need to proceed to a host nation hospital emergency room," Sergeant Kown said. "Host nation hospitals offering 24/7 emergency services include the Marienhausklinik in Bitburg, St. Elisabeth Krankenhaus in Wittlich, the Klinikum Mutterhaus der Borromaerinnen in Trier, and the Krankenhaus der Barmherzigen Bruder in Trier." The staff of the 52nd MDG are working to anticipate possible problems early and find solutions before Sabers face them. "Communication and culture will almost certainly be a concern at first," Colonel Neubauer said. "Though there are differences between going to the Bitburg military hospital and the local Krankenhaus, there is no difference in the quality of care provided. There will be times when we meet the unexpected. For these issues, Nicole Zenke, Simone Harcarik and Emine Birdsong, have been added to the 52nd Medical Group staff as patient liaisons to help facilitate your host nation health care day or night." Another way Sabers can ease this transition is to familiarize themselves with hospital locations before an emergency arises. "During a routine visit to the towns of Trier, Wittlich or Bitburg, take the initiative to drive by or visit their hospitals," Sergeant Kown said. "Familiarity with driving routes will make your trip much less stressful in the event of an emergency." Members of the 52nd MDG are preparing to make this change as smooth as possible for Sabers. "The 52nd Medical Group's pledge is to make the transition to host nation health care a pleasant and positive experience," Colonel Neubauer said.