Zeeland Community Hospital

Spectrum Health Zeeland Community Hospital Completes $8.72 Million Surgical Facility Expansion and Lobby Renovation

ZEELAND, Mich., April 12, 2022 – Spectrum Health Zeeland Community Hospital’s new $8.72 million surgical facility expansion and lobby renovation is complete and open to patients. Construction of this mission-critical expansion began in fall 2020 and endured a global pandemic to become a reality for our community.

“The finished product of our expansion has already provided such a positive impact on how we deliver care,” said Bill Hoefer, president, Zeeland Community Hospital. “We are grateful for the history of engagement our community has shown regarding how local care is delivered and improved. One of our new BHSH System’s guiding principles is to cultivate a community-guided health system where we learn from, and build off one another. This project is a great example of blending community input and support with hospital needs to design a space that will benefit current and future patients for generations to come.”

Phase I of the four-stage project involved adding a two-story, 9,100 square foot addition to the back of the main hospital building. The basement level of this space was designed to include a covered loading dock and mail room. It also contains expanded storage for sterile and non-sterile supplies, linen and grounds keeping equipment.

“As the hospital has grown and evolved over the past 16 years, additional needs for storage and facility infrastructure enhancements became evident,” shared Joe Klesney, chief operating officer, Zeeland Community Hospital. “This project increased the footprint of the hospital’s basement level, allowing for expanded storage and upgrades like the covered loading dock.”

The new main floor, which encompasses the hospital lobby and surgical department, has been designed with specific attention to patient access, convenience, privacy and safety. The renovated lobby registration area sets an open and welcoming stage for patients and guests.

“The entrance of any hospital determines an ever-important first impression and we needed to update this area to reflect the exceptional experience and quality of the care patients receive here,” added Hoefer. “This lobby renovation gave us a foundation to integrate upgraded technology, while balancing the personal touch of our patient access team. The new design elements created a bright, clean and uplifting atmosphere for patients and visitors.”

With nearly 27% of the hospital’s 2021 births being delivered via cesarean section, the driving factor for the entire enhancement project was the critical need for a dedicated C-section procedure room. This need required a renovation of the surgery department, which included the addition of the procedure room, expansion of another operating room and inclusion of a private family lounge dedicated to surgery patient’s guests.

“One of the many benefits of this project was the installation of modern technology, including an in-light camera which allows our mothers and their partners to watch their baby’s C-section delivery via video,” Hoefer continued. “As one of the first hospitals in the country offering this, we are so pleased to be able to provide a more personal experience for our local families.”

The surgery department also now features private physician consult rooms, expanded post anesthesia care unit (PACU) with a dedicated PACU for obstetrics and pediatrics, new pre/post operative patient rooms and two new restrooms. Additionally, the expanded operating room is now able to house leading-edge technology and equipment necessary for more sophisticated procedures.

In addition to patient advantages, the surgical team has benefited from updated workstations, increased storage space for equipment and supplies and larger patient rooms to offer new families a more peaceful environment following a C-section.

This project was made possible in large part by philanthropy through the Spectrum Health Foundation Zeeland Community Hospital.

“We are so thankful to our community for their tremendous philanthropic support of the surgery center expansion,” said Kris Palosaari, foundation director, Zeeland Community Hospital. “Knowing our community realizes the importance of health care is very affirming and uplifting to our Spectrum Health Zeeland Community Hospital team.”

A private ribbon-cutting ceremony is planned for April 12, with a team celebration following on April 14.

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:
Alexis Bolo Neal
Senior Communications Specialist
Email: alexis.boloneal@corewellhealth.org