Kelsey Hospital Announces Campaign Success

The new Lena Rader Meijer Emergency Department will officially open Thursday, May 15. To celebrate the grand opening of the emergency department, facility upgrades and 100 years of service, Kelsey Hospital is hosting a community celebration Wednesday, May 14 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Festivities will kick off with a 5 p.m. ribbon cutting, followed by tours, music, giveaways and children’s activities.”””

“This marks the start of a new chapter for Kelsey Hospital,” said Brian Brasser, chief operating officer for the Lakeview facility. “Many months of careful planning, design and project work went into the facility upgrades and fundraising efforts.”

The domino effect of updates began when the long term care unit moved to the second floor a year ago. The vacated area and reconfiguration of the existing space increased square footage for the emergency department and presented the opportunity to increase capacity, efficiency and privacy.

A significant portion of the $850,000 project cost was raised through the Building a Healthy Future Together capital campaign, while the remaining balance was allocated from Spectrum Health United Memorial’s capital budget. In October 2007, Fred and Lena Meijer stepped forward with a large donation to boost the fundraising campaign and encourage community members contribute.

“The Meijers’ gift, in the form of a matching donation up to $250,000, spurred interest and excitement around the great things happening at Kelsey Hospital,” said Paul Bonis, president and CEO of Spectrum Health United Memorial. “The Meijers’ continued support is greatly appreciated by the Spectrum Health United Memorial family.”
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Nearly 300 individual donors and families, along with over 100 Spectrum Health United Memorial staff members, joined together to make the Kelsey Hospital capital campaign a huge success. With over $750,000 pledged toward the project and future improvements, the effort marks the largest capital campaign in Lakeview’s history.

“The opening of the Lena Rader Meijer Emergency Department would not have been possible without the support from our staff, physicians, community members, and we owe so much to all our donors,” Bonis added. “Special recognition and great appreciation must be extended to the campaign cabinet for their hard work, vision and dedication to Kelsey Hospital and the improvement of health care for everyone.”

The $850,000 project features additions and upgrades such as:

LENA RADER MEIJER EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT

Relocated to the southwest corner of the hospital
Covered entrance on Fourth Street
Additional parking (coming soon)
Six private exam rooms
Life-saving technology
Bedside wireless technology
Physician/family consultation room

LABORATORY DRAW STATION

Relocated near emergency department
More staff during busy times
More space, extended hours, faster test turnaround time

CENTRAL REGISTRATION

New, patient-friendly and private check-in for most hospital services

SLEEP LAB

Moves to Lakeview Health Center on Washington Avenue (fall 2008)
Easy building access, off-street parking
Quiet, home-like atmosphere
Private restroom and shower
New diagnostic equipment for interpreting sleep studies

“It’s our goal to continue creating an atmosphere of comfort and healing for the patients and families we serve,” states Brasser. “This is an exciting time for our community hospital and we are poised to continue our legacy into the next century.”

Spectrum Health United Memorial is committed to providing excellent personal care and services through state-of-the-art technology and qualified, caring staff at the Kelsey Hospital in Lakeview and the United Hospital in Greenville. Spectrum Health United Memorial provides local access to quality care through the region’s largest health care system.