Finding Your Way Around a Hospital in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Whether you’re going to a Grand Rapids hospital for surgery, tests, an emergency, or to visit a loved one, finding your way around can feel overwhelming. Large medical centers like Corewell Health (formerly Spectrum Health) Butterworth Hospital, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, University of Michigan Health-West (Metro Health), and Mercy Health have multiple buildings, specialty clinics, and unfamiliar department names.

Understanding the hospital layout and common department names before you arrive can make your visit less stressful and help you get to your appointment on time.

Planning Ahead: Before Your Hospital Visit in Grand Rapids

Use Hospital Websites and Online Maps

If your hospital visit or admission is planned, take time to explore the hospital’s layout in advance. Most Grand Rapids hospitals offer:

  • Online maps and campus guides
  • Parking and entrance information
  • Directions by car, bus, or rideshare
  • Clinic and department locations

Helpful links to check (search these by name):

  • Corewell Health Butterworth Hospital – campus map and parking
  • Trinity Health Grand Rapids – visitor and campus information
  • University of Michigan Health-West (Metro Health) – hospital and clinic maps
  • Mercy Health – hospital locations and directions

You can also call the hospital’s main number and ask:

  • Which entrance you should use
  • The best parking ramp or lot
  • The exact name of the department or clinic
  • Whether they can email or mail you a map

Many patients in West Michigan receive a pre-admission or pre-surgery packet that includes a map, parking details, and check-in instructions.

Pre-Admission Assessments in Grand Rapids Hospitals

Before surgery or certain procedures, you may be scheduled for a pre-admission (pre-op) assessment. This may be:

  • A phone call with a nurse or pre-admission clinic
  • An in-person visit to the hospital or outpatient clinic

If you go in person, use this visit as a chance to:

  • Practice finding the correct entrance and parking
  • Learn which elevators or corridors lead to your surgical or procedure area
  • Confirm where to check in on the day of surgery
  • Ask about waiting areas for family and friends

Bring:

  • Your appointment letter
  • Any maps or instructions you’ve received
  • A list of questions about where to go and when to arrive

Local Navigation Tools in Grand Rapids Hospitals

Maps, Signs, and Color-Coded Paths

Most Grand Rapids hospitals use a combination of:

  • Printed maps at information desks
  • Wall signs with arrows and department names
  • Color-coded lines or zones on floors or walls to guide you

For example (these are typical systems you may see):

  • A blue line might lead to specialty clinics and imaging
  • A red line might lead to the Emergency Department
  • A green zone might indicate outpatient services

If you’re unsure how the color system works, ask at the information desk when you arrive.

Hospital Orientation Resources

Some Grand Rapids healthcare systems offer:

  • Orientation videos on their websites
  • Virtual tours of surgical or maternity units
  • Downloadable PDFs of campus maps

These can be especially helpful during winter in Michigan, when snow, ice, and reduced visibility can make it harder to find entrances and parking structures. Reviewing maps and entrances ahead of time can reduce the time you spend walking outside in cold weather.

Common Signs and Departments to Look For

When you walk into a large Grand Rapids hospital, look for clear signage to help you find:

  • Main Entrance / Main Lobby
  • Registration / Check-In / Admitting
  • Emergency Department (ED)
  • Outpatient Clinics / Specialty Clinics
  • Imaging / Radiology (X-ray, MRI, CT, Ultrasound)
  • Laboratory / Blood Draw
  • Surgery / Operating Rooms / Pre-Op / Post-Op
  • Intensive Care Unit (ICU)
  • Maternity / Labor & Delivery / Family Birth Center
  • Pediatrics / Children’s Services
  • Cardiology / Heart Center
  • Cancer Center / Infusion Center

If you are visiting a patient, you may also see signs for:

  • Inpatient Units / Wards
  • Medical-Surgical Units
  • Orthopedics
  • Rehabilitation / Physical Therapy
  • Behavioral Health / Psychiatric Services

Non-Medical Services You May Find in Grand Rapids Hospitals

Larger Grand Rapids hospitals often offer non-medical services to make your visit more comfortable, especially if you’re staying for several hours or days. Look for:

  • Cafés or cafeterias
  • Coffee shops
  • Vending machines
  • Gift shop or florist
  • Newsstand or small convenience shop
  • ATMs
  • Chapel, prayer room, or “sacred space”
  • Public restrooms
  • Public telephones (less common now, but still available in some locations)
  • Mail drop boxes
  • On-site or nearby pharmacy

Signs in the main lobby or near elevators usually point to these services. You can also ask at the information desk where to find them.

Who to Ask for Directions in a Grand Rapids Hospital

You do not need to navigate the hospital alone. Several people can help you find your way:

Information or Reception Desk

Located near the main entrance, staff can:

  • Provide printed maps
  • Highlight the best route to your destination
  • Explain floor numbers, wings, and building names
  • Help you understand parking validation or payment

Volunteers

Many Grand Rapids hospitals use trained volunteers who:

  • Give directions
  • Walk with you to your destination if needed
  • Help visitors find patient rooms or waiting areas

Look for volunteers at information desks or in brightly marked vests or badges.

Nursing Stations and Unit Staff

If you’re already on a unit or ward:

  • Ask at the nurse’s station for directions to a specific patient room, department, or service.
  • Staff can also explain how to use the elevators or find family waiting rooms.

Hospital Transport / Porters

If you are a patient:

  • Transport staff (porters) can take you in a wheelchair or bed to different departments (such as imaging, surgery, or testing areas).
  • Your nurse or patient care technician can request transport and explain where you’re going and how long it may take.

Finding a Specific Patient or Room

If you are visiting someone:

  1. Go to the information desk or main reception.
  2. Provide the patient’s full name and, if possible, their date of birth.
  3. Staff can tell you:
    • The unit or floor the patient is on
    • The room number
    • The best route and elevator to use

On the unit, you can confirm the room at the ward administration desk or nurse’s station.

Note: For privacy reasons, hospitals may not give information if a patient has requested confidentiality.

Using Local Public Health Resources in Grand Rapids

If you’re unsure which hospital or clinic is best for your needs—or you want more information about healthcare options in Kent County—local resources include:

  • Kent County Health Department – Information on community clinics, immunizations, and public health programs
  • Grand Rapids Public Health and community health centers – Support for preventive care, screenings, and chronic disease management

These resources can help you:

  • Find a primary care provider or specialist
  • Learn which hospitals are best for heart care, cancer treatment, maternity care, or pediatric services
  • Understand insurance options and financial assistance programs

Tips for Navigating Grand Rapids Hospitals During Michigan’s Seasons

Because Grand Rapids experiences cold, snowy winters and humid summers, consider:

  • Winter:
    • Allow extra time for driving and parking
    • Use covered parking ramps when possible
    • Wear warm layers and nonslip shoes for icy sidewalks
  • Summer:
    • Bring water if you expect a long wait
    • Use sunscreen and shade if walking between buildings

Checking your hospital’s website on the day of your visit can alert you to:

  • Construction or detours
  • Temporarily closed entrances
  • Updated parking instructions

Online Tools to Help You Navigate

To make your hospital visit in Grand Rapids smoother:

  • Use Google Maps, Apple Maps, or Waze to find the correct hospital entrance or parking ramp.
  • Search for:
    • “Corewell Health Butterworth Hospital map”
    • “Trinity Health Grand Rapids campus map”
    • “Metro Health Wyoming hospital map”
    • “Mercy Health Grand Rapids directions”
  • Bookmark or print the campus map.
  • Save the main hospital phone number in your phone in case you need help while en route.

When You Feel Lost: What to Do

If you feel confused or lost at any point:

  1. Stop and look for the nearest sign or building directory.
  2. Ask the closest staff member or volunteer—you don’t need to wait until you reach an information desk.
  3. If you have a smartphone, open your hospital’s map or directions email.
  4. If you’re running late, call the clinic or department to let them know you’re in the building but having trouble finding them.

Making Your Grand Rapids Hospital Visit Easier

With a little planning, navigating a hospital in Grand Rapids, Michigan, can be much less stressful. Use:

  • Hospital websites and maps
  • Information desks and volunteers
  • Clear signage and color-coded paths
  • Local resources like the Kent County Health Department

Knowing where to park, which entrance to use, and who to ask for directions will help you focus on what matters most—your health and the health of your loved ones.