With the new year comes a new look for a Northern Michigan hospital. The goal is to improve the patient experience, especially when it comes to women's health.

"I just took a deep breathe and said, 'This is awesome!' It's wonderful," said Loraine Diebel. "You are so relaxed when you are waiting in the waiting room, it's very comfortable. Everybody is so patient with you and they encourage you along the way."

Kalkaska Memorial Health Center is a familiar place to Loraine Diebel, who's been coming to the hospital for the past 14 years. In that time, she's developed friendships with the staff, and believes the hospital's new addition finally matches the warmth of its people.

"I think first of all because you are relaxed, your mental attitude is more receptive and you just have a calmness about you," said Diebel. "I think that's very helpful when you are going through these tests."

Patients like Diebel were on the minds of three women as they planned and designed the outpatient services building. It was a seven year process. A process the women say took a lot research into what's best for the community.

"We started investigating healing environments and what that meant," said Kim Babcock, KMHC's Human Resources Director. "We went on building tours, went and looked at other places, read lots of literature, and really came to find out when you create a healing environment, you really start the patient experience when you walk in the door."

The people of Kalkaska County helped make the $22 million project possible by approving a millage. They can check out the results during an open house. Within the 37,000 square feet are new waiting areas and exam rooms. When it comes to women's health, there's new technology to go with the new look. From the private changing areas, patients are led to a digital mammography suite.

"We've had capacity issues with film," said Babcock. "What we've done here is really good for the patient and good for us too."

It's a change that's made a difference for Diebel in just one visit. She believes in women getting their annual mammogram, and though the hospital's makeover can only help achieve that important goal.

"It's just been a very pleasant experience. I would encourage every woman to take advantage of the location," said Diebel. "If they live near here, come and enjoy the reception you will get and the care you will get."

The public can see what the facility is all about Wednesday, January 7. The open house for Kalkaska Memorial Health Center's outpatient services building is from 4p.m-7p.m. The ribbon-cutting ceremony is at 4:30p.m. There will be tours and door prizes. The Kalkaska Chamber of Commerce is hosting Business After Hours there as well.