On the afternoon of Monday, March 27, 2023, Door County Medical Center (DCMC) welcomes the first rehab patients to the new Sister Bay Clinic, located at 2345 Canterbury Lane in Sister Bay, WI.

The following Monday, April 3, 2023, the new facility will begin seeing all patients, marking both the first day of comprehensive operations and services at the new Sister Bay location, and the end of operations and services at the Fish Creek location.

"We are incredibly satisfied with the work of Boldt Construction and Caldwell Associates Architects, and so proud of the support of our staff and our Board to make this endeavor a reality," says Brian Stephens, CEO of DCMC. "Most of all," he adds, "we are ecstatic to be able to serve our community in this beautiful new facility."

Improvements over the prior facility include increased space—allowing for more providers, staff and patients. Occupational and speech therapies will now have dedicated treatment spaces that will improve privacy and care. Rehab patients will enjoy an enlarged gym, which will allow for new equipment, as well as additional therapy rooms to allow for flexible programming. "With more space, we are able to say yes to more services, and so, the building of this new clinic has brought with it a lot of interest from the medical specialists that we partner with," says Lindsey Donohue, Director of Clinic Services for the Fish Creek Clinic, soon to be Director of the Sister Bay Clinic.

The Sister Bay Clinic will also include EV charging stations, green space, a large patio on the second level for patients and staff to enjoy, and a retail pharmacy.

Previously, patients had to travel to the DCMC Clinic in Sturgeon Bay for services like Audiology and Cardiology. Now, the Sister Bay Clinic has the capability to host both of those specialty services, as well as provide primary care, behavioral health, diabetes education, OB/GYN, orthopedic services and podiatry. Same day appointments will be available for patients requesting to see a primary care provider.

Both Donohue and Andy Anderson, Director of Rehabilitation Services at Door County Medical Center, have been involved in the planning of the building since the very beginning to ensure that the space will suit the needs of all existing offerings as well as future services. "Two of the most positive outcomes from the construction of this new facility are the added level of awareness it will bring to Rehabilitation Services in the northern Door County community, and a closer working relationship with the clinic," says Anderson. "Being able to have more face time with our referring providers," he explains, "will take our already stellar care to the next level."

Designed to complement the architectural look and feel of Sister Bay, the style of the new clinic focuses on a balanced combination of functional and natural elements—meeting the needs of the northern Door County community while also reflecting the beauty of the peninsula. Donohue comments, "We are very excited about all of the natural light that shines into the new clinic—the environment of any facility always plays a big role in our ability to heal, and the natural feel of this space will certainly help with that."

"We have worked with a number of great partners during this endeavor," notes Anderson. "Good Samaritan—Scandia Village has been so flexible throughout the course of the move, and even after the move is finished, we will continue to provide onsite care for the long-term care residents. The architects at Caldwell Associates have listened to our needs, creating a space that I know the community will love. And finally," he continues, "the Boldt Company has been amazing, allowing us regular walkthroughs, listening to and implementing our recommendations, and navigating the construction of a large build very successfully."

On Sunday June 11, 2023, DCMC will host an open house at the Sister Bay Clinic. The entire community will be invited to enjoy a dedication ceremony, raffle prizes, tours and treats from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

For full updates on the progress of the construction project, visit www.dcmedical.org/sister-bay-construction-update.