Health & Wellness

Grundy County Memorial Hospital

Grundy Center, IA

Grundy County Memorial Hospital underwent a major expansion and renovation to enhance its healthcare offerings, improve patient care, and update its facilities. The project includes a new addition that houses a state-of-the-art Surgery Department, an expanded Imaging Department with in-house MRI and CT rooms, and a new maintenance/​ mechanical basement. These departments were located in the original hospital space built in 1952. In addition, the Laboratory Department, Laundry Services, Specialty Clinic, and Foundation Offices were thoughtfully renovated and expanded.

The central placement of the MRI within the Imaging Department fosters closer collaboration among staff while personalizing the experience for patients. The redesigned lab and adjacent storage area create a streamlined layout with minimal obstructions, maximizing efficiency and functionality. The goal of GCMH was to keep care local, serving the surrounding rural communities that depend on this facility for their health needs.

The addition, strategically positioned along a prominent highway in Grundy County, provides an opportunity to reimagine the hospital’s public face, creating a welcoming, modern entrance that reflects the hospital’s commitment to quality care. The new design blends with the existing architectural elements while establishing a fresh, bold aesthetic to serve as a beacon for patients and visitors. 

The best way to highlight the patient-focused care at GCMH is through this heartwarming anecdote shared by the Radiology Director: The new MRI room design included customizable lighting and technology specifically aimed to present a calming environment for pediatric patients. In the opening weeks there was a young patient on the spectrum terrified to receive a required MRI scan. In the new space, the room lighting was to be changed to the child’s favorite color, green, and screens displayed soothing images of animals that looked similar to the child’s pet cat. By the end of the procedure, the ped’s patient was so comfortable that he didn’t want to leave the MRI machine, turning a frightening experience into a positive one. These design features are a testament to the hospital’s commitment to creating a comforting, patient-centered environment for all, especially its youngest patients.

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