Houston VA builds new hospital wing

From left, Acting Medical Center Director Bryan T. Bayley, Urology Chief Dr. Donald P. Griffith, Facilities Management Executive Jeanette Butler, Construction Chief Mouris Ibrahim, and Dermatology Chief Dr. Theodore Rosen look over the plans for the new h

The Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center will be starting construction on a new hospital wing in September, which will relocate the dermatology and urology clinics into larger spaces.

The new wing will be located on the second floor of the hospital and consist of about 22,000 square feet. Each new clinic will be approximately 8,000 square feet. The urology clinic will feature six exam rooms and four rooms for treatment. The dermatology clinic will have eight exam rooms, four procedure rooms, two laser rooms and one light therapy room

The space currently occupied by the urology and dermatology clinics will be used to expand the surgical operating suite and primary care.

"Our veteran population is particularly susceptible to certain skin diseases," said Dr. J. Kalavar, Medical Center Chief of Staff, in the press release. "While on active duty, service members may be subject to extreme temperatures, extensive sun exposure, unsanitary living conditions, poor nutrition, combat wounds, chemical agents and many other challenges known to contribute to skin disease."

In addition to the risk of skin disease, prostate cancer is another serious threat among veterans. According to the press release, prostate cancer is the most common noncutaneous cancer among males and veterans have a higher than average risk of prostate cancer.

"We strive to continuously improve access to health care for our nation's heroes," said Bryan T. Bayley, acting medical center director, in the press release. "We are excited to soon have enhanced facilities for veterans who need medical treatment for dermatology and urology issues."

Construction on the new wing should be completed by September 2013.

The Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center is located at 2002 Holcombe Blvd., in Houston. For more information, visit houston.va.gov or contact the communications office at 713-794-7349.