48th Medical Group assists newcomers with in processing

Published Dec. 10, 2007
By Airman 1st Class Kristopher Levasseur
48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England -- Instead of sitting through two hours of medical briefings, RAF Lakenheath newcomers will watch a 50-60 minute video condensing several hours worth of training into a one.

The medical briefing video, which debuts early next year, will save RAF Lakenheath more than 500 man hours a year and more than $17,000.

"The medical group newcomers brief currently takes nine people out of the work place to brief the topics covered in a two-hour briefing once a week," said Maj. Shawn Gregg, 48th Medical Operations Squadron. "It seemed like we could find a better way to do business that would not take up so much time and manpower."

Organizations from all around the base such as public affairs, the medical operations squadron and the Airmen and Family Readiness Center came together to take part in this project.

"Once the video is complete, Liberty Warriors will have more time to do their job," said Airman 1st Class Stephen Patrick, 48th Fighter Wing public affairs videographer. "This project is a step in the right direction for a more efficient Air Force."

Hospital man-hours saved by the project will be dedicated to performing Preventive Health Assessments.

"Over a two-month period, 100 percent of the newcomers' medical records were assessed for war readiness," said Major Gregg. "We found 50 percent of all active duty newcomers arriving at RAF Lakenheath are not current in their PHA. This limits our ability to respond to a real world emergency."

PHAs are required annually for Air Force personnel. Without a current PHA, Airmen cannot deploy.

The newcomers' video provides RAF Lakenheath a way to do 'better business' by freeing up man-hours to conduct required PHA's and make RAF Lakenheath a more capable force.