When Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital opened in 2009, plans were in place for long-term growth – which has happened sooner than expected.
“Patient volumes were growing every year,” says MaryClaire Dangel-Palmer, chief operating officer of Henry Ford West Bloomfield. “We realized quickly that our original 10 operating rooms were not going to be enough.” Why such rapid growth? It was due to Henry Ford’s clinical excellence, a convenient location, a need for services in West Bloomfield, and a sense of community. Now, with three new, state-of-the-art operating rooms, Henry Ford can provide an even higher level of service. “We perform an expansive array of surgeries here,” says Dangel-Palmer. “People want to stay close to home. There was a real need here.” But the biggest reason for the growth at Henry Ford West Bloomfield? It’s not like other hospitals.
“We continually strive to provide an outstanding clinical experience,” says Dangel-Palmer. “We consider the hospital to be a community center for well-being, and invite everyone to come learn about and enhance their health. If the need arises for clinical care, we are here. People come to shop; have a delicious, healthy lunch; enjoy a cup of coffee and a book; or participate in one of our many educational programs. They have developed a relationship with us.”
Construction began on the expansion in early 2011, and Henry Ford West Bloomfield now has three new operating rooms, for a total of 13. Construction included space for a future OR, which can be equipped rapidly when the hospital needs more surgical space. All operating rooms have the most current equipment, lighting and video imaging systems. These rooms host procedures such as:
- Head and neck surgery
- Neurosurgery
- Orthopaedic surgery
- Gynecologic surgery
- Video-assisted laparoscopic surgery
- Robot-assisted surgery
And patients benefit from more than just the latest technology.
“The biggest impact on our patients is that the extra space allows us to schedule surgeries sooner,” says Dangel-Palmer. “We can get you back to your normal life faster.”