Henry Ford Allegiance Health announced today a hospital expansion project that will add 66 private rooms for patients. The three-story, 59,000 square-feet Patient Tower will be built above the Henry Ford Allegiance Heart & Vascular Center. Construction on the $45 million project begins in February 2017, by the Christman Group. Completion is expected in mid-2018. Since some semi-private rooms will be converted to private rooms in the process, the hospital’s overall bed count will not change.
The project represents the first major investment since the partnership with Henry Ford Health System was finalized, less than a year ago. “One of the most frequent requests from our patients has been to increase the number of private rooms to create a quieter, more healing environment,” said Henry Ford Allegiance President and CEO Georgia Fojtasek. “This expansion reflects our dedication to being a truly patient-centered health system. It is also part of our strategic plan for strength and growth, during changing times for the health care industry.”
Bob Riney, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for Henry Ford Health System, also expressed confidence in the expansion project. “We know there are big challenges ahead for our industry and many hospitals are undergoing layoffs at this time, yet we are growing. Henry Ford Health System—including our newest partner Henry Ford Allegiance Health, has a solid vision for the future, and we are moving forward. Our leaders, physicians and staff are aligned with the vision to bring greater value to our communities.”
This project is just one of the major investments Henry Ford Health System is making in the state of Michigan. The Henry Ford Cancer Institute is scheduled to open in 2018, as part of a $500 million expansion and neighborhood improvement initiative on 300 acres in Detroit. The five-story, building will include a skywalk to connect it to Henry Ford Hospital. Henry Ford Macomb Hospital is also expanding its surgical services at this time.
“The Henry Ford Allegiance Hospital expansion is an exciting symbol of hope for our community,” said Henry Ford Allegiance Board Chair John Nally. “It shows that Henry Ford Health System is not only committed to bringing greater access to high-demand services to the people of Jackson and surrounding areas, but that it also understands the importance of providing a great hospital experience.”
In addition to ensuring safety and quality, providing an exceptional patient experience is a top priority at Henry Ford Allegiance Health. “I am very excited that our health system is making this move toward more private rooms for our patients,” said Henry Ford Allegiance Chief of Surgery, Shawn Obi, DO. “We are dedicated to providing the best care, and anything we can do to make the hospital stay even more comfortable and restful for our patients and their visitors is definitely worthwhile.”