Doctors at the clinic say it's still in the transition period, but should be a better experience with expanded care for veterans. (Shawn Wilson/KTUU-DT)

Doctors at the clinic say it's still in the transition period, but should be a better experience with expanded care for veterans. (Shawn Wilson/KTUU-DT)

by Rhonda McBride KTUU

May 10, 2010
ANCHORAGE, Alaska—

The state-of-the art equipment will also make the work more efficient.  However, during the transition, few patients have been scheduled in order to give everyone time to get used to the new setup.

"It's like moving into any new house. You probably don't cook dinner there the first night," Theobald said.

"It's got room to grow is probably what I would sense from it. They've got plenty of square footage," said veteran Finis Sheldon, who was getting a prescription filled.

"It'll be good long term care for the Veterans of Alaska," he said.

The Anchorage clinic is also very unique, compared to others in the U.S.

A local architectural firm, Livingston Slone, helped with the design to make sure it fit with Alaska's cold climate and dark windows. It includes many windows that face the mountains.

Aside from beauty, the clinic also draws from a vast geographical area compared to other VA clinics -- so that makes its operations more complicated and makes moving more complicated.

The new clinic has 184,000 square feet and cost about $76 million. 

The clinic expects demand for services to continue to grow over the next 12 years.  

There will be a ribbon cutting ceremony at 11 a.m. next Saturday with refreshments and tours.

Contact Rhonda McBride at rmcbride@ktuu.com