The Stuttgart Clinic Kelley Annex has expanded its operating hours and services in order to assist more patients on Kelley Barracks.

Based on high demand for patient care, the clinic, which started operating in April, has quickly developed a need for longer hours of operation.

Captain (Dr.) Zaher Elmir, the clinic's physician and officer in charge, said by increasing hours the clinic is able to be even more efficient.

"We can treat more patients and offer them more services on Kelley, saving everyone time," said Elmir.

New hours are extended to allow appointments starting at 7:50 a.m. to 3:20 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays for TRICARE beneficiaries age 16 and older.

Not only can more patients now be seen, but they also have access to more services at the clinic annex.

Once restricted to acute care, services now include: travel clinic services for command staff travelling to Africa; physicals (to include flight physicals) and periodic health assessments; pre- and post-deployment assessments; pregnancy tests; rapid strep throat cultures; incisions and drainage; and other limited labs and procedures. The clinic also can provide many following day pharmacy refills.

"My hope is to do even more," Elmir added, noting he'd like the clinic to have even more services available in the future and perhaps even another full time physician on the annex staff.

Colonel Bob Miller, U.S. AFRICOM command surgeon, said the plan was always to expand services, in phases, based on demand and clinic use and encouraged patrons to continue to make full use of the facility.

"We only exist as long as demand exists, so please take advantage of the clinic - it's here for you," he added.

Miller gave credit for the annex's creation to the U.S. Army Health Clinic-Stuttgart's leadership for seeing and understanding the need for the clinic and making it a reality.

"I can think of no other initiative during my time at AFRICOM that has had such a dramatic, positive impact on those that call Kelley Barracks home," said Miller.

The clinic is located in building 3312, next door to the community mail room. To schedule an appointment at the Stuttgart Clinic Kelley Annex, call the Europe Regional Medical Care Call Center DSN 371-2622 or commercial line 06221-17-2622. Currently, patients can also walk in and make an appointment.