Expansion Project Improves Capacity, Patient Experience in Midland’s Emergency Department
An expansion is currently underway at the Emergency Department in Midland to increase capacity and improve patient experience, safety and efficiency.
A more spacious and comfortable waiting area will accommodate up to 50 people, a five-fold increase over the current capacity.
Registration and triage areas will be remodeled for better visibility and safety.
Six new “vertical” spaces will enable faster care and turnaround for lower acuity patients who do not require a bed.
Emergency Department improvements are underway at MyMichigan Medical Center Midland. The multi-year project will expand capacity while improving patient experience, efficiency and safety for patients, providers and staff.
“As our health system has grown geographically, the number of patients coming to the Emergency Department in Midland has also grown,” said Deanna Knopp, R.N., B.S.N., MyMichigan Health system director of emergency services. “We’ve also advanced our capabilities over the decades. For example, the Medical Center in Midland is now a Level 2 Trauma Center, an accredited Primary Stroke Center and a STEMI receiving center, which results in us treating more complex cases. These renovations are necessary for us to keep up with the changing role our Emergency Department plays in meeting community needs.”
Phase 1 of the project, already completed, increased staffing and converted some previous holding beds to emergency beds. This increased total department capacity by 17 percent and expanded the number of emergency treatment beds by 42 percent.
Phase 2, under construction now, focuses on improving the security, registration, triage and waiting areas and provides six additional spaces to see lower acuity patients. Phase 2 will increase capacity by another 18 percent on top of the increases realized in Phase 1 and is targeted for completion by August 2025.
Highlights of Phase 2 include:
- Expanding waiting room seating capacity for up to 50 people, (a five-fold increase in capacity) offering more space, privacy and comfort for patients and their companions.
- Redesigning the current security, registration and provider spaces for enhanced safety.
- Adding triage rooms and a tech workspace.
- Creating 6 new “vertical” spaces to see lower acuity patients who do not require a bed. This is quicker and more convenient for those patients and reduces cleaning and turnround time between patients.
- Noise reduction measures.
“We recognize that construction can impact wayfinding, parking and other aspects of your experience at a time when you are already having an emergency,” said Knopp. “We appreciate your patience as we bring you these much-needed enhancements, and we’re confident you’ll see many benefits once the project is complete. In the meantime, we remain open 24/7 and committed to providing you excellent care.”
Phase 3 of the project, with timing yet to be determined, will further expand the Emergency Department to meet future projected demand.
Patients who are visiting the Emergency Department are advised to look for wayfinding signs that may temporarily re-route parking or drop-off locations. Those who would like to learn more about the project may visit www.mymichigan.org/emergency-midland.
