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MEDIA ADVISORY
59th Medical Wing
Brian Valencia, 59th MDW PAO
210.292.7703 (Office)
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March 17, 2026
59th Medical Wing Announces Transition to Urgent Care Center at Wilford Hall Beginning April 4.
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO–LACKLAND, Texas — The 59th Medical Wing announced that the Emergency Department at Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical Center will transition to an Urgent Care Center (UCC) beginning April 4, 2026, at 8 a.m.
This decision follows a comprehensive operational review designed to ensure the continued delivery of safe, high-quality care while aligning staffing, resources, and medical capabilities with mission requirements and patient needs.
A controlled transition window will take place on April 4 starting at 12:00 a.m. to allow for facility modifications, system updates, and clinical validation exercises to ensure a safe and effective transition. The UCC will open with full capabilities to all beneficiaries at 8:00 a.m. on April 4.
The UCC will operate seven days a week from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. and will provide care for acute, non-life-threatening medical conditions. The facility will remain staffed by a professional team of physicians, advanced practice providers, nurses, and medical technicians and will continue serving TRICARE beneficiaries.
“This transition allows us to preserve urgent care capability while aligning staffing and resources to sustain mission readiness,” said Brig. Gen. Gwendolyn Foster, commander of the 59th Medical Wing. “Patient safety remains our top priority.”
Urgent Care Services
The UCC is designed to address immediate medical concerns that do not require the resources of an emergency department.
Patients will have access to services to include, but not limited, to:
- Evaluation and treatment by physicians, advanced practice providers, and clinical staff
- On-site laboratory testing for immediate diagnostic needs, such as blood glucose checks and urinalysis
- X-ray imaging services
- Pharmacy services during operating hours to allow prescriptions to be filled before patients leave the facility
Emergency Care
Emergency response services on Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland will remain unchanged and continue to operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Individuals experiencing severe or life-threatening medical emergencies should call 911 immediately or proceed to the nearest emergency department.
Brooke Army Medical Center (BAMC), a Level I Trauma Center, will serve as the primary Department of War Emergency Department within the San Antonio Military Health System.
Patient Screening and Transfers
Patients arriving at the UCC will be screened upon arrival by a nurse or medical provider to ensure they receive the appropriate level of care.
If a patient’s condition requires emergency services, medical staff will assist in directing the patient to the appropriate care setting. Depending on the situation, this may include:
- referral to a nearby emergency department
- coordination of medical transport services
- activation of 911 for life-threatening emergencies
Additional Patient Resources
Beneficiaries seeking guidance on where to receive care can contact the Military Health System Nurse Advice Line, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, by calling: 1-800-TRICARE (1-800-874-2273)
Registered nurses can help assess symptoms and recommend the most appropriate place to receive care.
Additional information, including updates and frequently asked questions, will be available at
wilfordhall.tricare.mil.
Media inquiries may be directed to 59th Medical Wing Public Affairs at (210) 292-7703 or
usaf.jbsa.59-mdw.mbx.59-mdw-public-affairs@health.mil.