Spectrum Health Breaks Ground on Rehab Center

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Spectrum Health held a ceremonial groundbreaking event on June 23, at its Rehab and Nursing Center in Grand Rapids. The facility, which was originally built in 1964, is being expanded and renovated to better serve patients.

"We are thrilled to be able to see this project get underway because of what it will mean for our patients,” said Chad Tuttle, president, Spectrum Health Continuing Care (SHCC), in a statement. “The project will bring the latest in innovative design concepts to create an environment of healing for our rehab patients, while providing a home-like environment for our long-term residents."

The Spectrum Health Rehab and Nursing Center serves 700 patients each year and is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities for brain injury and stroke, with its clinical outcomes exceeding national benchmarks.

“Our goal is to provide a high quality environment that supports healing and compassionate care,” said Christina Freese-Decker, president, Spectrum Health Hospital Group, in a statement. “Spectrum Health is proud of the care provided to our current patients and residents. Because we are an integrated system, Spectrum Health is one of a few health systems that can provide the full continuum of care to serve the needs of our patients and their families.”

The project includes a two-story addition of 122,600 square feet that will provide space for 165 patients. The addition is being constructed adjacent to the existing one-story building. Tuttle said in a statement that patient care will continue uninterrupted throughout the construction, which is expected to end in the summer of 2016.

The project is being designed by MKM Architecture of Fort Wayne, Ind., and is being constructed by The Christman Company of Lansing, Mich. Members of Spectrum Health’s Patient and Family Advisory Council (PFAC) and staff members were consulted in the design of patient areas and amenities.

“We wanted to make sure that our facility reflects the high quality care and comforts our patients and their families expect and deserve,” Tuttle said in a statement.

The new building will offer short-term rehabilitation services on the first floor and long-term care on the second floor. The first floor will feature 77 beds, most in private rooms. The second floor will have 88 beds with the majority being in enhanced semi-private suites, along with private rooms.

Each floor will be divided into four “households” with separate living areas. A large room on each floor will be used for meals and recreational activities. The renovation project also includes a fully equipped rehabilitation gym, private treatment rooms and a low stimulation area specifically suited to patients with neurological conditions.
Current services at the facility include neuro rehabilitation; general rehabilitation; short- and long-term nursing care; long-term care for aging adults; and art and music therapy.

The Spectrum Health Rehab and Nursing Center also partners with organizations, such as the Grand Rapids Symphony to bring sensory and therapy experiences to its patients and residents.