New Waiting Room Improves Capacity, Patient Experience in Midland’s Emergency Department
Patients, visitors and staff are already enjoying the benefits of a multi-year expansion of the Emergency Department still underway at MyMichigan Medical Center Midland. A more spacious and comfortable waiting room is now open, accommodating up to 50 people, a five-fold increase over previous capacity. Modifications to registration and triage areas have enhanced security and privacy.
The Emergency Department in Midland is under construction to improve capacity, patient experience, safety and efficiency.
The more spacious and comfortable waiting room now accommodates up to 50 people, a five-fold increase over previous capacity.
A new emergency department tech room improves patient flow.
Registration and triage areas are being modified for better visibility and safety.
Six new “vertical” spaces under construction now through the end of August will enable faster care and turnaround for lower acuity patients who do not require a bed.
“We’re excited to have completed phase one of our waiting and triage areas,” said Deanna Knopp, R.N., B.S.N., system director of emergency services, MyMichigan Health “Patients and staff are already reporting that they feel safer and more comfortable due to the new design.”
“The new waiting room is bright, open and spacious, which helps with patient privacy, comfort and infection control. Our staff also have better visibility and space to accommodate improved patient workflow.”
“A visitor who experienced both the old waiting area in January and now the new one in August told me she is grateful for the improvements. She stated that it no longer feels like everyone is on top of each other, which is important when you’re not feeling well.”
At the kickoff of the project, Knopp had shared that demand in Midland’s Emergency Department has increased due to advancements in the Medical Center’s capabilities. The Medical Center is certified as a Level 2 Trauma Center, an accredited Primary Stroke Center and a STEMI receiving center, all of which draw more complex cases to Midland.
Earlier phases of the project added staff and beds to increase total department capacity by 17 percent. Six additional spaces for treating lower acuity patients are under construction now through the end of August. This will boost capacity by another 18 percent.
“Completion of phase one has made us excited for phase two to be complete so that we can continue to improve wait times and gain six additional spaces to care for patients. In the meantime, we remain open 24/7, and we appreciate your patience with the construction,” said Knopp.
The project is funded in part by donations from MyMichigan Medical Center Midland Volunteers and other community donors.
“This is a great example of how our volunteers enhance the quality of care for patients and families,” said Diana Brookens, manager of volunteer services, MyMichigan Medical Center Midland. “When patients, visitors and staff shop in our gift shop, buy popcorn in our facilities or support our volunteer-led activities in other ways, they are completing the circle that gives back to the hospital and the community.”
Phase 3 of the project, with timing yet to be determined, will further expand the Emergency Department to meet future projected demand. The Emergency Department will continue to operate 24/7 throughout all phases of the project.
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.
