INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey -- Complaint:

I am writing because I have an inquiry regarding the hours of operation for the Clinic. I don't understand how with a location as small as this, our medical facility operates as if we are somewhere that has an actual hospital. Appointments are very rare to come by. I actually called today regarding something very important for the Women's Health clinic, explained what my situation was and was told the earliest appointment is 22 June and if needed, I could have a telephone consult with a nurse. Neither were options because I need to be examined and going off base isn't the best option because they do not have my medical records to know my history. It baffles me that we worry more about keeping the Fitness Center open for 24-hour operations than the safety and health of our Airmen and their families; that on down days, family days and holidays the clinic is treated as if it is a mere eatery or the post office instead of a place that helps and aids people who are sickly and not feeling well. I have had to take my child off base to the hospital in the wee hours of the morning, and due to the language barrier, I did not feel as if anything was resolved nor felt comfortable with the care that was offered. I hope that some time in the near future different operating hours are considered for the Clinic. If not today for me, than hopefully in the future for the Airman who gets sick a few hours after his duty day is over or for the person who's child gets sick in the middle of the night.

Response:

Thanks for the opportunity to address health care for our base community. Our local hospitals, Acibadem and MetroPark, are world class facilities that are accredited by the Joint Commission International and they have providers who are highly trained and highly qualified. We maintain interpreters on-call 24/7 to assist our community when they have to utilize our host nation providers.

Unfortunately, the service you requested was not available on base since our only active duty provider was on leave and our part time Turkish contract physician's schedule was full. To cover for the absence, we offered the telephone consult so that we could determine how we could help. If an appointment was needed, then a nurse could have made an appointment with one of our family practice doctors that are trained to deal with Women's Health Issues. Although we would welcome the manning to maintain 24 hour operations in the clinic, fiscal reality and historical data have determined that we are only manned for normal duty hours. With the outstanding facilities of our host nation, we are able to support our community's health requirements.

As a reminder, access to medical assistance is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week by calling 676-6666. You will be connected with someone who can help. For an emergency, as always, dial 911 on base. Please remember, our patient liaisons are always available after hours and on weekends. If you had to go downtown at any time and the liaison at the downtown hospital is not answering your questions to your satisfaction, then you can request our patient liaison to come to the hospital and assist in translation.