Bay Medical Care Facility Expanding to Meet Continual Waiting List
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Work is progressing on a 25,000 foot expansion of both wings of the Bay Medical Care Facility, 564 W. Hampton Road, Essexville.
J. Donald David, director and campaign chairman of the Bay Medical Care Facility, and administrator Brenda Burzynski during a recent presentation on a millage request and facility expansion to the Rotary Club of Bay City.
Bay Medical Care Facility is in the midst of a 32-bed expansion to meet continual demand and the $4.5 million project is already paid for.
A half mill tax renewal for four years is on the ballot Tuesday. Voter approval will continue the income of about $1.3 million a year for facility operations. (EDITOR'S NOTE: Voters handily approved the facility request at the polls Tuesday.)
There's no need for a bond issue or other borrowing or additional tax for the expansion, according to J. Donald David, new board member and campaign chairman for the facility.
"We have accumulated the funds for the expansion by conserving and putting money aside over 20 years," said David, adding that about a third of the cost ofthe expansion comes from donations.
He credited former administrator Bill Mahoney, who retired in 2001 after 21 years in the post, and current administrator Brenda Burzynski for efficient, cost-effective administration.
The facility presently has 48 residents who share four-bed rooms. A 25,000 square foot expansion will add two stories on each of the east and west wings. When the project is complete, all residents will have semi-private rooms with bathrooms and showers. The dining room, recreation room and chapel also will be expanded and air conditioning will be installed.
"We always have a waiting list," said Mrs. Burzynski. "We could fill 30-40 more beds right now.
Even though construction is progressing and is about half done, the facility still awaits its certificate of need from the state, she said. There are 36 other such facilities in the state and Tuscola County received the most recent approval for 20 beds.
Many patients are returned to the community after a stay at the facility. "Some come in for skilled nursing care such as rehabilitation after knee surgery," said the administrator.
Non-Medicaid patients are housed at the rate of $187 per day, she said, noting that is an all-inclusive rate. About 75 percent of patients have Medicare or Medicaid that pays for their care, she said. The oldest resident is 105 years old.
Dr. George Loan is medical director, assisted by Dr. Robert Hafford and Dr. Douglas Tubman, but residents can be served by their own physician if they wish.
The Bay Medical Care Facility marked its 40th anniversary on May 24, having been established on that date in 1964.###
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