Portage Health knows that the community it serves needs the best care that can be provided, which is exactly why the health care facility made the decision to increase the size of the University Center clinic with a renovation project.
The project, which is located on the
Michigan Tech University campus and recently broke ground, will more than double the total square footage of the institution while doubling the number of exam rooms and increasing the number of staff by more than 50 percent.
"The building expansion will enable us to have more providers to meet our community’s healthcare needs as well as gain space for our existing providers," says Jim Bogan, president and CEO of Portage Health.
The upgrade comes as no surprise to those who work at, or use, the clinic as more than 100 patients come through the doors during an average day, including 22 students, up significantly from when the facility opened in 2000.
"Over the last 11 years we have grown to capacity and beyond," says Dr. Bruce Trusock, who has been at the clinic since it opened. "This expansion will allow us to continue serving the community, university faculty, staff and students."
That model of care is focused on prompt access to the primary care provider. Coupled with electronic medical records, and a renewed focus on provider-patient interaction, Portage Health is meeting and exceeding the needs of sweeping healthcare reform.
The University Center is the student health service center for Michigan Technological University. With student enrollment growing, university officials want a healthcare center that meets the students' needs.
The combination of a dozen new jobs at the facility and a planned cost of $4.3 million, means the project is a major boost to the local economy.
Moyle Construction of Houghton was awarded the bid for the construction, which should be completed by August of 2012.
Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: Jim Bogan, Portage Health
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