University of Michigan Health’s C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital plans to build a $5.4 million emergency services fast track clinic to treat children, teens and young adults with lower acuity conditions.
The Board of Regents voted March 28 to approve the plan to convert 6,500 square feet of space into four exam rooms near the children’s emergency services check-in area. The project involves relocating some staff and dining spaces.
Patients will continue to be triaged like all emergency department patients, and may be directed to the new care space if appropriate. The clinic will serve patients with seasonal illnesses as well as sprains and strains and other minor injuries and lower acuity conditions.
Luanne Thomas Ewald, chief operating officer for Mott and Von Voigtlander Women’s Hospital, said the service will help alleviate the strain on emergency room resources during busy periods.
The move comes following years of increasing patient volumes, particularly during peak seasons of respiratory viruses, COVID and flu.
“This step will allow us to better allocate resources to provide the best care for all of our pediatric patients and improve our ability to respond to emergencies and surges in demand,” Ewald said.
“Our goal is to use the new space to accommodate families seeking timely, specialized care for children while preserving our capacity for moderate and high acuity care.”
Construction is expected to involve two phases, beginning this summer and to be completed by spring 2025.
