BAY CITY, MI - McLaren Bay Region has unveiled its newly renovated emergency department waiting area, marking the completion of a nearly $900,000 improvement project officials said is aimed at enhancing patient experience and care delivery.
The renovation, which took approximately one year to complete, was executed in phases so the emergency department remained fully operational throughout construction.
The project focused on modernizing the waiting area with new furniture, flooring, and calming artwork, while also upgrading security measures and other amenities.
"A trip to the emergency department can be understandably stressful, and a calming and purposefully designed area to wait in can help promote the emotional well-being of patients and those with them," McLaren Bay Region Chief Nursing Officer Stacey Klump said in a statement.
"Our aim is to create a peaceful environment in order to set the tone for the safe, compassionate care our patients expect and deserve, and we are grateful to be able to offer this latest enhancement of our facility for the benefit of our community."
The emergency department, which serves tens of thousands of patients annually, features 34 treatment spaces and is staffed by a comprehensive team of health care providers. The facility maintains several advanced care accreditations, enabling it to deliver critical interventions and procedures when patients need them most.
Funding for the renovation came through donations to the McLaren Bay Medical Foundation from community members, hospital employees, and local businesses. The project aims to address the rising demand for emergency care services being experienced throughout Michigan and across the country, according to officials.
The facility also offers online check-in options for non-life-threatening conditions, helping to reduce on-site waiting times for patients.