375th MDG, St. Louis VA collaborate to better serve patients Published Jan. 18, 2012 By Senior Airman Amber R. Kelly-Herard 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- The U.S. military is in the process of becoming leaner, but still effective. Likewise, the 375th Medical Group and the St. Louis Veteran's Administration Healthcare System are joining forces to build a partnership to provide regional health care to all who are eligible. "An agreement has been made between our medical treatment facility and the VA to continue to discover areas to share resources, combine services and explore ways to improve patient care and save the government money," said Maj. John Halligan, 375th Medical Support Squadron Patient Administration Flight commander. Rimaann Nelson, St. Louis VA Healthcare System director, and Col. Jill Sterling, 375th MDG commander, met Dec . 16, 2011 to sign a Joint Committee Charter; this was the first of its kind in the St. Louis area. "The goal of this partnership is to enhance care and services provided to our patients, and to save taxpayers' money," said Lt. Col. David Berthe, 375th MDSS commander. Prior to Sept. 30, 2005, the 375th MDG was a hospital with inpatient services and an emergency room. Following the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure Commission mandate, the 375th MDG has become a large clinic with a focus on primary and preventative care. "We have medical space and the ability to offer convenient lab and radiology services," said Berthe. "They, in turn, have specialists and services that could benefit our patients. So we are working with the VA to explore partnering options that are mutually beneficial." "This is a great integration of government entities," added Halligan. "It's exciting to be involved in something that is the right thing for our patients first, and also for taxpayers, especially in this environment of fiscal constraints." Other clinics in the Department of Defense have already started to consolidate or are looking into it. No changes have currently started. For the latest news about the 375th MDG, visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ScottAFBClinic?ref=pb.