After years of planning, construction, and hard work, Chelsea Community Hospital will unveil its new facility on Dec. 9 during an open house from noon-5 p.m.
The new facility is designed for the comfort and convenience of patients and visitors as well as state-of-the art medical care, according to a press release from the hospital.
Here’s a rendering of what it will look like. Final rendering from Kahn.
“This is a monumental time in the history of our hospital,” said Nancy Graebner, president and CEO of CCH in the press release. “This facility is the largest project ever for our hospital and the entire city.
“I encourage those who have not seen the amazing progress to attend our open house on Dec. 9, or visit our website or Facebook page,” she said, adding, “We are proud of the new level of comfort and convenience this will bring to our patients and families. Everything was done with their needs in mind.”
The new facility, now just weeks away from completion, includes a 54-bed addition which makes all the hospital’s rooms private, according to hospital information. 
The new building also includes an expanded emergency department, diagnostic imaging areas, outpatient rehabilitation/therapy, and new main entrance, including a café, gift shop, and meeting rooms.
The funds for the construction are a result of the hospital’s 2009 merger with Saint Joseph Mercy Health System.
The building was created with the patient experience top of mind, the information states.
“Patients and families will enjoy specially selected local artwork in the rooms and halls, peaceful, wooded views from the windows throughout the building, and a picturesque courtyard with sculptures, benches, and a variety of flowers and trees,” according to the press release.
In addition, each patient room offers ample space for patients and their guests, whether in the new or existing facility, since all rooms will now be private.
And, there’s plenty of close, convenient parking available near the main entrance, surgery and emergency departments.
Patients and families also can easily move between the new and existing facilities with the use of indoor or outdoor corridors, creating a seamless experience no matter what services you may need at CCH, the information states.
In 2013, CCH will begin renovations to the existing facility, as well as an addition for a comprehensive Cancer Center that will include radiation oncology.
The hospital opened its new Infusion Center in November, 2010, and the Cancer Center will allow CCH to expand upon those services and provide a full spectrum of cancer care.
In order to provide uninterrupted care and minimal disruption, the hospital will move its departments in stages spread out over several weeks.
The emergency department, diagnostic imaging, and rehabilitation departments will each move into their new spaces beginning in December 2012.
The inpatient rooms will move in January 2013.
“One of the things we hear so often is that our campus is so beautiful and peaceful, helping patients and families with healing,” Graebner said. “From the beginning of this project, we knew we had to preserve that feeling of peace and serenity that has been part of our culture for 40 years.
“I believe we have done that with our new facility,” she said. “It allows us to continue doing what we do best – providing exceptional medical care to our communities – while in a state-of-the-art environment. In the end, that is what it’s all about.”
Everyone is invited to the open house and there will be valet parking available.
