Author: Sherry Farney
The continued growth of the McLaren Flint heart program is leading to extensive facility renovations and technology investments that enhances physicians’ abilities to deliver world-class cardiology services to patients.
The two dedicated heart surgery operating rooms (ORs) at the hospital recently received complete makeovers, work that followed a 2019 project that overhauled the entire heart catheterization unit, including adding two new catheterization labs, a separate prep recovery area, a new waiting area, all-new flooring, paint and artwork.
“Both ORs now have state-of-the-art Olympus integration systems for video, audio, and storage of this data,” said John VanTol, director of surgical services at McLaren Flint. “Recordings can be made during patients’ operations to share with them, their primary care physician and other specialists should they be needed for reference at any time in the future. The technology also includes much larger, higher quality video displays for use during the procedures. The rooms also received new paint and flooring. The heart teams are thrilled with the upgrades.”
McLaren Flint offers more types of heart surgeries and procedures than any area hospital. The team of physicians and support staff has expertise related to a wide range of cardiovascular services, from prevention and advanced diagnostics to pre and post-operative treatment. The cardiothoracic surgeons and structural heart specialists have decades of combined experience performing high-risk surgeries, multiple valve procedures, complex repair cases and the latest minimally invasive treatment options.
A second renovation project took place at McLaren Flint’s Specialty Clinic, located at G-3200 Beecher Road in Flint. This facility houses the hospital’s bariatric and metabolic institute, wound care services including hyperbaric oxygen therapy, its sleep center, physical medicine and rehab, infectious disease clinic and a pain clinic.
“We are excited about the remodeling that has happened at our location,” said Becky Wolfington, director of specialty services for McLaren Flint. “We have a brand new waiting room at the Wound Care Clinic as well as two new patient exam rooms. We also enhanced the waiting room at the Bariatric and Metabolic Institute. However, the most extensive change is to the entrance of our building. With new doors, paint, and new flooring being installed, it is quite a transformation for both patients and staff.”
New artwork has also been placed throughout the building.
These projects follow major renovations the hospital has made over the past year to the hospital’s main lobby, first and second floors, the BirthPlace at McLaren, and a refreshed Reflection Room (formerly the Chapel). Currently underway are major remodeling projects in McLaren Flint’s emergency room.