GRAND LAKE HEALTH SYSTEM OUTPATIENT RENOVATION MOVES INTO NEXT PHASE THIS SPRING

CELINA, OHIO Grand Lake Health System leaders say a multi phase renovation of the hospital’s outpatient area remains on schedule, with the next major changes expected in early April.

On Spectrum on WCSM Radio, Grand Lake Health System CEO Cindy Burning and Vice President of Operations Tyler Kroeger shared an update on the outpatient renovation project, a four phase plan designed to refresh and improve about 15,000 square feet of outpatient space.

Kroeger said phase one began in January 2025 and wrapped up in August 2025, focusing largely on behind the scenes improvements, including clerical space for medical imaging, break space for outpatient teams, and an area intended to become occupational health. Because the work used existing vacant space, he said phase one brought little to no impact for patients.

Phase two, which started after the August transition, has been more noticeable for visitors. Kroeger said the outpatient entrance was closed, temporarily routing patient traffic through the main entrance. He also said the infusion clinic, anti coag clinic, and registration area were relocated as part of the work. While phase two was expected to be the most disruptive portion of the project, he said the actual impact has been smaller than anticipated thanks to planning, teamwork, and patience from the community.

Looking ahead, Kroeger said phase three is expected to begin at the start of April, reopening the outpatient entrance and restoring normal traffic patterns. He said patients can also expect a new registration area, a remodeled lab draw area, and an updated infusion clinic space as that phase comes online.

The target completion date for the full project remains December 24, 2026.

Kroeger added that Grand Lake Health has worked closely with construction partner H.A. Dorsten, Inc. to reduce disruption where possible, including adjusting work schedules to help limit noise. He also credited volunteers and improved signage for helping patients navigate traffic pattern changes during construction.

HEALTH SYSTEM HIGHLIGHTS: SLEEP SERVICES, INSIRE IMPLANTS, AND ADVANCED IMAGING

Burning also shared several service highlights from the past year, including expanded sleep medicine availability after Grand Lake Health brought Jen Nitre on full time in January 2025. Burning said referrals to the sleep center have climbed nearly 50 percent and diagnostic testing is up more than 40 percent.

Burning also discussed growth in the hospital’s Inspire sleep apnea implant program, describing it as an alternative for some patients who struggle with CPAP. She said the program is a collaboration between sleep services and ENT, including Dr. Vannon and the ENT team, and noted more than 30 implants have been completed so far.

In urology, Burning said the program continues to grow, with increased surgical volume, office visits, and strong patient satisfaction across the provider team. She also noted Grand Lake Health added PSMA PET scanning in November 2025, an advanced imaging option used in the early detection and evaluation of prostate cancer.

PAIN MANAGEMENT AND CAREERS

The conversation also highlighted Grand Lake Health’s pain management services, with leaders pointing to a wide range of treatment tools and encouraging patients with chronic pain to start with a conversation. Burning and Kroeger recognized providers Amber Ball and Dr. Syed Ali.

They also encouraged job seekers to consider careers in health care beyond nursing, noting the hospital needs a wide mix of roles, including environmental services, food service, maintenance, and other support positions that help keep operations running for patients and staff every day.