Spectrum Health Honors James and Shirley Balk With New Waiting Space at Butterworth Hospital

The Hansen-Balk Surgical Family Lounge was fully funded by philanthropy

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., Jan. 30, 2018—Spectrum Health is proud to announce the opening of a new family lounge and registration area for patients receiving surgical, endoscopy and bronchoscopy services at Spectrum Health Butterworth Hospital.

The Hansen-Balk Surgical Family Lounge opened to patients on Tuesday, Jan. 30. This new space was funded 100 percent by philanthropy, through the generosity of James and Shirley Balk. They made their gift to honor the legacy of Jens Hansen, their former business partner at Hansen/Balk Steel Treating Company, mentor and friend. When Jim and Shirley saw the vision of this new space they knew they wanted to be part of making a difference for our patients and their families.

Located 50 feet from the hospital’s main entrance, families accessing bronchoscopy, endoscopy and surgical services at Butterworth will now use the Hansen-Balk Surgical Family Lounge as their front door.

Using a consumer-driven design, focused around a healing environment, this space improves care flow, situating patients and families, physicians and clinical staff closer to surgical services and the areas in which they are performed.

Spectrum Health’s organizational commitment to provide an exceptional patient and family experience is celebrated in the Hansen-Balk Surgical Family Lounge by:

Physically and emotionally easing the burden for patients and families on the day of surgery
Reducing patient wayfinding and navigation by consolidating four, existing lounges into one common area
Creating a welcoming atmosphere that is modern, open and has natural aesthetics.
Central location to access retail services and amenities
Complimentary valet parking (will be available in February)
Technological conveniences

###

People are at the heart of everything we do, and the inspiration for our legacy of outstanding outcomes, innovation, strong community partnerships, philanthropy and transparency. Corewell Health is a not-for-profit health system that provides health care and coverage with an exceptional team of 60,000+ dedicated people—including more than 11,500 physicians and advanced practice providers and more than 15,000 nurses providing care and services in 21 hospitals, 300+ outpatient locations and several post-acute facilities—and Priority Health, a provider-sponsored health plan serving more than 1.3 million members. Through experience and collaboration, we are reimagining a better, more equitable model of health and wellness. For more information, visit corewellhealth.org.

Contact:
Andrea Finnigan
Media Relations and Newsroom Web Manager
Office: 616.486.2535
Mobile: 616.293.6050
Email: andrea.finnigan@corewellhealth.org