The next phase of construction for Bigfork Valley
The Grand Opening for the new building has been held. Patients are in the new rooms. Surgical services begin in the new Surgery Center. What next?
During the next six to eight months Bigfork Valley will undergo another transformation. As the inpatient and surgical areas are moved to the new building, that space will become one that is dedicated to outpatient and community use.
The pharmacy will move to a new, bigger area. It will still be easily accessible just inside the building, but the new space will include an expanded over-the-counter stock and the ability to carry more personal care supplies and a small gift shop. The design also includes areas for personal and private consultation with a pharmacist.
Near the pharmacy will be a fitness center shared by physical therapy and open to the community for fee-based use. Equipment purchase for this center was made possible through the Bigfork Valley Endowment Fund administered by the Grand Rapids Area Community Foundation. The equipment was chosen to exercise specific muscle groups and includes the elliptical cross trainer, treadmills and recumbent bicycle among other stations.
The adjacent physical therapy area will be expanded to include five private treatment rooms and a room equipped for extremity whirlpools. Also part of the rehabilitation area will be an occupational therapy model kitchen for retraining in independent living skills.
The present physical therapy area will become the cardiac rehabilitation and respiratory therapy area, also with appropriate exercise equipment.
Just across from the Imaging Department, the old emergency room will become the specialty clinic area. A waiting/reception area will give access to six exam rooms including two that are designed for optometry. There will also be space for an eyeglass sales display.
Some areas of the remodeling will be dedicated to staff needs. The human resources and accounting departments, controller's office and hospital pharmacy also will be located in the remodeled area.
Of special interest to hospital patients will be the easy access to administration, admissions and billing areas. These all will be located immediately inside the front entrance. In particular, admissions will be handled at more than one station, thus reducing patient waiting time.
During the remodeling, hospital admissions will be located to the left of the entrance, past the medical and dental clinic desks.
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