Hospital Admission in Grand Rapids, MI – What to Expect

Going to the hospital for surgery or treatment in Grand Rapids can feel overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time. Understanding how hospital admission works at local facilities like Corewell Health Grand Rapids Hospitals (formerly Spectrum Health), Trinity Health Grand Rapids, University of Michigan Health-West (Metro Health), and Mercy Health can make the process less stressful.

Most Grand Rapids hospitals will send you an admission notice by letter, email, text, or through their patient portal (such as MyChart). This notice confirms the date and time of your hospital stay and includes any special instructions you must follow before you arrive.

Common pre-admission instructions include:

  • Not eating or drinking (fasting) for several hours before surgery or a procedure
  • Stopping certain medications before your visit (only if directed by your doctor)
  • Arriving early to complete registration and pre-op checks

Because West Michigan has long, cold winters and icy roads, allow extra travel time to reach the hospital safely, especially for early morning procedures.

Before You Arrive at a Grand Rapids Hospital

Pre-admission Assessment

For most planned hospital admissions in Grand Rapids, you may be asked to complete a pre-admission assessment. This is to make sure you are medically ready for surgery or treatment.

This assessment may be:

  • By phone or video – a nurse or pre-op team member calls you
  • In person – you visit the hospital or clinic for labs, tests, or an exam

You may be asked to complete an admission form several days before your stay, which usually includes:

  • Personal details and emergency contact information
  • Insurance information (private insurance, Medicaid, Medicare)
  • Current medications and allergies
  • Past medical and surgical history

Most Grand Rapids hospitals offer online pre-registration through their websites or patient portals.

What to Bring With You

When you come to a Grand Rapids hospital for admission, bring:

  • Your admission letter, email, or text
  • Photo ID (driver’s license or state ID)
  • Insurance card and Medicare or Medicaid card (if applicable)
  • List of current medications (name, dose, and how often you take them)
  • Any completed pre-admission health questionnaires
  • Payment method for co-pays or out-of-pocket costs (if you are a private patient)
  • Glasses, hearing aids, dentures, and their storage cases

In winter, consider bringing:

  • Warm, non-slip socks or slippers
  • Layers of clothing for discharge, as temperatures in Grand Rapids can be very cold and windy

Types of Hospital Admission in Grand Rapids

Depending on why you are going to the hospital, there are several types of admission:

  • Emergency admission (unplanned)
  • Overnight or extended admission (planned or unplanned)
  • Maternity admission (planned or urgent)
  • Day procedure / same-day surgery (planned)

Each local hospital in Grand Rapids follows similar processes, but details can vary slightly. Always follow the instructions from your specific hospital.

Emergency Hospital Admission in Grand Rapids

When to Call 911

For a medical emergency in Grand Rapids or anywhere in Michigan, call 911 immediately.

Examples of emergencies include:

  • Chest pain, pressure, or suspected heart attack
  • Signs of stroke (sudden weakness, facial drooping, trouble speaking)
  • Severe breathing trouble
  • Major injury or trauma (car crash, fall, severe cut)
  • Severe allergic reaction with trouble breathing

If you are unsure whether it is an emergency, still call 911. The dispatcher will guide you on what to do next.

Arriving by Ambulance

In a true emergency:

  • You will be transported by ambulance to the nearest appropriate Emergency Department in the Grand Rapids area, such as Corewell Health Blodgett Hospital, Corewell Health Butterworth Hospital, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, or another nearby facility.
  • Emergency staff will assess you and decide whether you need to be admitted to the hospital for ongoing treatment or can be safely discharged.

Because emergency admissions are unplanned, it may take time for an inpatient bed to become available. You may:

  • Remain in the Emergency Department for monitoring and treatment until a bed is ready
  • Be transferred to another hospital in the region if you need specialized care or if beds are limited

Urgent but Not Life-Threatening Situations

If your situation is urgent but not immediately life-threatening, you may:

  • Have someone drive you to a local Emergency Department
  • Visit an urgent care clinic in the Grand Rapids area (if appropriate for your symptoms)

Emergency staff will let you know if you need to be admitted for further treatment or if you can go home with follow-up instructions.

Overnight or Extended Hospital Admission in Grand Rapids

For planned overnight or multi-day stays, your admission notice will tell you:

  • The date and time to arrive
  • Which building, entrance, and floor to go to
  • Any fasting or medication instructions

You may receive a confirmation call from the hospital the day before your admission to:

  • Confirm your arrival time
  • Review instructions (especially if weather or scheduling has changed)
  • Answer last-minute questions

Checking In

When you arrive:

  1. Go to the location listed on your admission notice.
  2. Check in at the reception desk or admitting/registration area.
  3. Show your admission notice, ID, and insurance cards.
  4. Complete any remaining paperwork and, if you are a private patient, pay any required co-pays or deposits.

A nurse or staff member will take you to your hospital room or a waiting area and begin the admission interview.

Maternity Admission in Grand Rapids

Grand Rapids has several hospitals with labor and delivery services. Your OB/GYN or midwife will usually tell you which hospital you will deliver at (for example, Corewell Health Butterworth Hospital or Trinity Health Grand Rapids).

Before Labor

Your maternity department will usually provide a patient information pack that explains:

  • What to do when labor begins
  • When to call the maternity unit or your provider
  • What to bring in your hospital bag

This information is especially important during winter in West Michigan, when snow and ice can affect travel times.

When Labor Begins

When you think you are in labor:

  1. Call the maternity department or your OB/midwife to discuss your symptoms.
  2. Follow their advice on when to come to the hospital.

When you arrive:

  • If it is a maternity-only hospital or entrance, check in at the maternity reception.
  • If it is a general hospital, go directly to the labor and delivery or maternity department as instructed.

A midwife or labor and delivery nurse will assess you. If your labor is far enough along or if there are complications, you will be admitted and taken to a birthing suite.

Day Procedure / Same-Day Surgery Admission in Grand Rapids

Many surgeries and procedures in Grand Rapids are done as day procedures, meaning you go home the same day.

Your admission notice will include:

  • The time to arrive
  • Which surgery center or hospital entrance to use
  • Fasting instructions and medication guidance

On arrival:

  1. Check in at the reception desk in the surgery or procedure area.
  2. Complete any additional forms and pay out-of-pocket costs if required.
  3. A nurse will bring you to the pre-operative area and begin your admission interview.

Because you will receive anesthesia or sedation, you will need:

  • A responsible adult to drive you home and stay with you after the procedure
  • To avoid driving, operating machinery, or signing legal documents for a set period after anesthesia (your care team will give you specific instructions)

The Admission Interview: What to Expect

During your admission interview, a nurse will review your:

  • Current health status and symptoms
  • Medical history and past surgeries
  • Allergies (especially to medications, latex, or foods)
  • Medications, vitamins, and supplements
  • Recent illnesses, infections, or exposures

The nurse may also:

  • Take your temperature, pulse, blood pressure, and oxygen level
  • Check your height and weight
  • Review your pre-admission questionnaire

Meeting Your Anesthesiologist and Surgeon

If you are having surgery:

  • An anesthesiologist (the doctor responsible for your anesthesia) may visit you to:

    • Review your medical history
    • Discuss the type of anesthesia you will receive
    • Explain possible risks and answer your questions

  • Your surgeon may also visit you before the procedure to:

    • Confirm the surgery plan
    • Answer any last-minute questions
    • Mark the surgical site if needed

Interpreters and Language Support in Grand Rapids Hospitals

Grand Rapids is home to a diverse community, including Spanish, Vietnamese, Bosnian, Kinyarwanda, and other language speakers, as well as people who use American Sign Language (ASL).

If you prefer a language other than English or have vision, hearing, or speech impairments, clear communication is essential for your safety and comfort.

Most major hospitals in Grand Rapids provide free access to professional medical interpreters, including:

  • In-person interpreters (when available)
  • Telephone or video remote interpreting
  • ASL interpreters for people with hearing impairments

You can:

  • Request an interpreter for your admission interview
  • Ask for interpreter support during rounds, procedures, and discharge planning
  • Request translated written materials if available

You can also contact the Kent County Health Department or Grand Rapids Public Health for information about language access and community health resources.

Disability Assistance and Other Special Needs

Grand Rapids hospitals are required to provide accessible care for patients with disabilities or special needs.

If You Have Vision Impairment

Ask if the hospital can provide:

  • Information, questionnaires, and forms in large print, electronic, or audio formats
  • Assistance with reading and completing forms
  • Extra or adjustable lighting in your room

A staff member can help you become familiar with your room, including:

  • Location of the bathroom
  • Placement of your personal belongings
  • Any obstacles or equipment you should be aware of

If You Have Hearing Impairment

You can request:

  • An ASL interpreter for all communication with hospital staff
  • Written notes or communication kits designed for people with hearing loss
  • Use of assistive listening devices if available

Let staff know your preferred way to communicate (ASL, lip reading, writing, etc.) as soon as you arrive or during pre-admission.

If You Use a Wheelchair or Have Mobility Challenges

Grand Rapids hospitals typically offer:

  • Wheelchair ramps at entrances
  • Accessible parking spaces near main doors
  • Wheelchair-accessible elevators, restrooms, and patient rooms
  • Staff assistance with transfers and mobility

You can also ask if there is an accessible writing desk or low-height counter where you can comfortably complete forms during admission.

If you have other special needs (such as sensory sensitivities, chronic pain, or complex medical equipment), inform your care team in advance if possible so they can plan accommodations.

Local Resources and Support in Grand Rapids

If you have questions about hospital admission or need help navigating the health system:

  • Talk to your primary care provider (PCP) or family doctor
  • Call the hospital’s admission or patient registration department
  • Ask the ward clerk or unit receptionist for guidance once you arrive

You can also use local public health resources:

  • Kent County Health Department – information on vaccinations, infectious disease, maternal health, and community programs
  • Grand Rapids Public Health and community clinics – support for uninsured or underinsured residents

These services can help you prepare for hospital care, manage chronic conditions common in Michigan (such as heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory issues), and stay healthy through West Michigan’s seasonal changes.

Key Points to Remember

  • Your admission notice from a Grand Rapids hospital will include your arrival time, location, and any fasting or medication instructions.
  • In a medical emergency, call 911. Emergency staff will decide if you need to be admitted for further treatment.
  • Because emergency admissions are unplanned, you may need to wait for a bed or be transferred to another local hospital if needed.
  • For planned admissions (overnight, maternity, or day procedures), bring your ID, insurance information, admission notice, and completed forms.
  • You can request interpreters, disability accommodations, and accessible materials at any stage of your hospital stay.

Understanding what to expect from hospital admission in Grand Rapids, MI can help you feel more prepared, ask the right questions, and focus on your recovery.