McLaren Northern Michigan’s campus in Cheboygan is launching a major expansion of its emergency department that is expected to open to the public in 2027.
The $17 million renovation and expansion project is designed to strengthen access to emergency care for residents of Cheboygan County and surrounding communities. Supported by $13 million in State of Michigan appropriations, hospital officials said the project reflects a significant investment in Northern Michigan’s health care infrastructure and McLaren’s ongoing commitment to providing high-quality care close to home.
The expansion will nearly double the emergency department’s current clinical care space by adding approximately 5,000 square feet to the existing facility, according to Gar Atchison, president and CEO of McLaren Northern Michigan.
“This project will help McLaren better serve area residents by expanding access to high-quality emergency care available within the Cheboygan community,” Atchison said. “The expanded space and design elements will support more efficient patient flow, greater comfort and stronger access to timely, potentially life-saving care.”
Plans call for 14 private treatment rooms, including dedicated rooms specifically designed to support the safe and confidential evaluation and treatment of behavioral health patients. The project will also modernize patient registration and triage areas, expand waiting spaces and upgrade nursing stations to create a more welcoming environment while enhancing clinical efficiency.
Hospital officials said the improvements are intended to streamline care delivery and improve the experience for both patients and medical staff.
“The motivation behind this project is to increase clinical care space and allow our physicians and providers to see and care for patients more efficiently,” Atchison said. “With this expansion, we will be in a position to add clinical staff and continue meeting the health care needs of the communities we serve.”
Renderings released by the McLaren Northern Michigan Foundation depict a redesigned emergency department entrance and updated patient care areas. McLaren officials said the larger facility will support future growth and allow the organization to recruit additional clinical personnel as community needs evolve.
A private June 26 groundbreaking ceremony will be held for project leaders and invited guests. Atchison added that McLaren will host a public open house next year.
“This is an investment in the future of health care in Cheboygan County,” Atchison said. “We are excited to begin this project and ultimately provide a more modern, efficient emergency department for our patients, families and community.”
For more information about the project, visit mclaren.org/northern-michigan-foundation/cheboygan-campus.
This article originally appeared on Cheboygan Daily Tribune: Groundbreaking on June 26 will launch McLaren expansion in Cheboygan
Reporting by M. Alan Scott, Cheboygan Daily Tribune / Cheboygan Daily Tribune
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By M. Alan Scott, Cheboygan Daily Tribune | USA TODAY Network
