Blodgett Construction Nearly Done

GRAND RAPIDS — Work is wrapping up on the $7.5 million expansion of Spectrum Health’s Blodgett Campus.

Construction to expand the hospital’s orthopedic area for the new SpectrumHealthCenter for Joint Replacement began last fall. Progressive AE designed the project and Wolverine Construction managed it.

Work also began last fall to enlarge the Blodgett surgical areas. URS Corp. designed the project and Wolverine directed its construction.

Spectrum Health Media Relations Manager Bruce Rossman told the Business Journal last week that both projects are nearly done.

The joint replacement center opened last week for elective hip and knee replacements. This summer Spectrum will consolidate the majority of its digestive disease services at the Blodgett Campus. In 2003, Spectrum consolidated its bariatric program at Blodgett.

“This expansion of services at the Blodgett Campus is a critical part of our strategic plan and vital to our commitment to deliver low-cost, high-quality care,” said Matt Van Vranken, president of Spectrum Health Hospitals.

“The Blodgett Campus allows us to focus many key services at one campus so that we combine staff and resources under one roof for the best patient care possible,” he added.

Spectrum spent about $2 million to expand and renovate the patient care areas for joint replacement recipients, and more than $3.5 million to enlarge the surgical holding, recovery and storage areas. Another $1 million went toward upgrading the central sterilization area.

Upgrades are also being made to the digestive disease, bariatric, endoscopy and acute care for the elderly units.

The opening of the Fred and LenaMeijerHeartCenter on the Butterworth Campus of Spectrum Health provided the opportunity to expand Blodgett, as the system’s heart care has been moved to the new building.

Blodgett remains certified as a primary stroke center and runs three critical care areas.

“Along with these specialty services, we also operate the region’s only burn center,” said Van Vranken. “The Blodgett Campus continues to be one of the region’s top hospitals with some very important specialty services that are in demand by consumers.”