By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
WKTV Managing Editor
joanne@wktv.org
The groundbreaking of new 96-bed freestanding inpatient behavioral health hosptial located near the corner of 64ht Street and Byron Center Avenue is scheduled for this summer as plans for the facility progress.
Southridge Behavioral Hospital is a joint venture partnership between University Health Services and Trinity Health. In June of 2022, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) issued a Final Order granting Havenwyck Hospital Inc., a subsidiary of University Health Services, a certificate of need approval for 60 adult psychiatric beds, allowing University Health Services and Trinity Health Michigan to move forward with plans for the new facility.
“We are excited for the future opening of Southridge Behavioral Hospital, because we know there is an incredible need for inpatient services in our community,” said Matt Biersack, MD, president of Trinity Health Grand Rapids. “The acquisition of the land and design development are key milestones to making our vision a reality. We are excited to break ground this year, when we will really begin to see the hospital take shape.”
Southridge Behavioral Hospital, which is scheduled to open in 2025, will accommodate up to 96 beds, which includes the 60 adult beds plus 24 geriatric beds previously approved by MDHHS. The facility will be located at 2145 64th St. SW near Trinity Health Medical Center in Byron Center. The location is just south of the City of Wyoming and Byron Center boundary.
The design of the new hospital incorporates modern, innovative, evidence-based care elements that focus on patient safety. Programming will be tailored to individual patient needs, with core psychiatric services and counseling supplemented by enrichment activities such as art therapy, music therapy, pet therapy, and outdoor activity.
The facility will employ approximately 170 full-time and part-time staff including physicians, nurses, therapists, mental health technicians, administration, dietary, and housekeeping personal.
The Southridge Behavioral Hospital is designed to tie into the growing network of behavioral health services in the area, including UHS-operated Forest View Hospital and Trinity Health Michigan’s new partnership with Network 180 to open a Behavioral Health Crisis Center for the rapid availability of assessment services on a walk-in basis.
For more about the Southridge Behavioral Hospital, visit www.soutridgebh.com.
