University of Michigan Health-Sparrow Clinton to build ambulatory center, undergo major addition and renovations

St. JOHNS, Mich. – University of Michigan Health-Sparrow Clinton will build a new 22,000-square-foot ambulatory clinical center, add 19,000 square feet of new hospital space and undergo a major hospital renovation after approval Thursday from the University of Michigan Board of Regents.

The new facility and extensive additions and renovations will improve patient access to health care services in the St. Johns area and represents a major commitment to the region. It is a response to sustained growth in outpatient and inpatient volumes and increasing demand for specialty services from residents of Clinton County and surrounding communities.

“Over the past 23 years of providing health care to the community where I was raised, I’ve seen how the St. Johns community depends on University of Michigan Health-Sparrow Clinton for the quality medical care they deserve,” said Gregory Holzhei, D.O., a physician at UM Health-St. Johns Primary Care and Market Medical Director of Primary Care for UM Health-Sparrow.

“I am so excited to see an expansion of UM-Health Sparrow Clinton that will provide our physicians the resources to continue providing the right care, at the right time, close to home for our patients.”

Highlights of the project include converting almost entirely to private patient rooms, expanded space and comfort for oncology patients, increased room for surgeries, an MRI available seven days a week, a second CT scanner, and an expanded primary care practice and specialty care space.

“This project represents a comprehensive investment in the future of health care in St. Johns,” said Connie O’Malley, Regional Chief Operating Officer of University of Michigan Health. “Our current hospital has simply reached capacity given the growth of the Clinton County area and we are addressing the need for improved access, quality and an enhanced patient experience.”

The Regents approved an estimated cost of $62 million for the project. Design and construction is expected to take 37 months. Funding will be provided from UM Health-Sparrow resources.

The Clinton hospital, which is located at 805 S. Oakland St., dates back to 1927 and underwent numerous renovations before joining the former Sparrow Health System in 1999. It has 25 licensed beds and is a critical access hospital and Level IV Trauma Center that provides emergency and essential services to an area that includes many rural communities.

“We are committed to providing care locally so patients don’t have to travel far from their home and loved ones,” said Linda Reetz, Regional Market President for U-M Health. “Our Community Hospitals — also including UM Health-Sparrow Carson, Eaton and Ionia – can handle most of our patients’ needs, while our larger hospitals in Lansing and at UM Health-West are available for major and more serious cases.”

For more information on UM Health-Sparrow Clinton, go to UofMHealthSparrow.org/our-hospitals-services/um-health-sparrow-hospitals/clinton.