Expanding Access to Advanced Care Close to Home
Munson Healthcare announced today that labor and delivery services currently provided at Munson Healthcare Grayling Hospital will transition to the newly expanded and renovated Otsego Memorial Hospital beginning Thursday, Oct. 29, at 6:15 a.m., when the hospital's new patient care wing opens to patients.
The transition is part of Munson Healthcare's nearly $40 million investment in Gaylord and Northern Michigan healthcare, and reflects a broader effort to expand access to advanced inpatient services, increase capacity for patients with complex medical needs, and ensure more residents can receive care closer to home.
- At the center of the project is a significantly expanded Birthing Center designed to serve families across the region. The enhanced space includes seven Labor, Delivery, Recovery, and Postpartum (LDRP) rooms, up from four previously, dedicated triage and antepartum spaces, and a new Cesarean-section surgical suite and recovery room.
- The opening of the new patient care wing also brings major improvements to inpatient and critical care services. The project doubles Otsego Memorial Hospital's critical care capacity from five to 10 beds, adds new private inpatient and isolation rooms, and creates updated nursing stations designed to support efficient, coordinated patient care.
"This investment represents much more than a new space. It strengthens our ability to provide high-quality care for patients across Northern Michigan while keeping more care close to home," said Kirsten Korth-White, Munson Healthcare East Region President. "By expanding our Birthing Center, increasing critical care capacity, and modernizing patient care areas, we are creating a stronger foundation for healthcare in our region for years to come."
The decision to transition birthing services follows extensive evaluation of regional healthcare needs and reflects Munson Healthcare's commitment to providing safe, sustainable, high-quality care in rural communities.
"We recognize that many families have longstanding connections to Grayling Hospital's Birthing Center," said Korth-White. "While this represents a significant change, it also reflects our commitment to high-quality labor and delivery care. This investment allows us to create a modern regional center for maternity care while enhancing our ability to recruit and retain the physicians, nurses, and caregivers needed to serve our communities into the future."[BA1.1]
While labor and delivery services will move to Otsego Memorial Hospital, patients will continue to have access to women's health services close to home.
Obstetrics and gynecology clinic appointments will continue in Grayling and Prudenville, and gynecologic surgeries will continue at Grayling Hospital. Patients will continue seeing their local providers for prenatal, postpartum, and gynecologic care.
By bringing inpatient maternity services together at Otsego Memorial Hospital and expanding critical care capabilities, Munson Healthcare is establishing a sustainable model for future growth while increasing access to advanced services for communities throughout Northern Michigan.
Munson Healthcare is working closely with patients, providers, and team members to ensure a smooth transition. Patients with questions regarding upcoming deliveries or obstetric care should contact their provider's office for additional information. The new patient care wing at Otsego Memorial Hospital will officially open to patients on Thursday, Oct. 29, at 6:15 a.m.