News Releases

ZEELAND, Mich., June 15, 2026 — Corewell Health™ Zeeland Hospital celebrated the grand opening of its newly relocated and enhanced C-section surgical suite with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday, May 7, marking a significant investment in maternal and infant care for the Zeeland community. 

“As we focus on quality, we are taking better care of the people who rely on us when it matters most,” said Linda Schaltz, chief nursing officer, Corewell Health Zeeland Hospital. “This new C-section suite aligns our facilities with the exceptional level of care our teams provide every day.”  

By relocating the C-section surgical suite to the birthing center, the hospital will significantly reduce emergency C-section response times.  

“In critical moments, every second matters,” said Tom Fasbender, D.O., OB-GYN department chair, Corewell Health Zeeland Hospital. “This new suite allows us to act quickly and efficiently, minimizing delays, reducing anxiety for patients and families and improving outcomes.”  

The updated design enhances privacy and comfort by eliminating the need to transport patients through multiple hallways and departments, allowing for continuous, seamless care in a calmer and more supportive environment. Increased space, improved workflow and new staff amenities, including expanded locker rooms, also support care teams and a growing number of team members. 

“As our birth volumes increase, this new suite allows us to provide faster, more coordinated care,” said Janet Wilks, nurse manager, Family Birthing Center, Corewell Health Zeeland Hospital. “Care teams have already been training together in the new space, conducting drills to support seamless collaboration between surgical and obstetrical staff.” 

Hospital leaders, clinical staff, community members and philanthropic partners gathered to commemorate the milestone.  

“This moment marks a big milestone for little lives,” said Janine Dalman, foundation director, Corewell Health Foundation West Michigan at Zeeland Hospital.  

Dalman also recognized the leadership and generosity of Sue and Tom DenHerder, along with the foundation board, for their contributions to the surgical suite and broader hospital expansion efforts.  

The new surgical suite, designed by Ghafari Associates and built by The Christman Company, aims to improve patient safety, comfort and the overall experience within the Family Birthing Center.  

“Knowing this space will serve families during one of life’s most meaningful moments makes this project especially rewarding for our team,” said Chad Craddock, senior project manager, The Christman Company. “We’re proud to support Corewell Health as they enhance care for the Zeeland community.” 

To learn how to support projects like this at Corewell Health Zeeland Hospital, visit www.corewellhealth.org/foundation/west.  

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About Corewell Health™  

People are at the heart of everything we do, and the inspiration for our legacy of outstanding outcomes, innovation, strong community partnerships, philanthropy and transparency. Corewell Health is a not-for-profit health system that provides health care and coverage with an exceptional team of 60,000+ dedicated people — including more than 12,000 physicians and advanced practice providers and more than 16,000 nurses providing care and services in 21 hospitals, 300+ outpatient locations and several post-acute facilities — and Priority Health, a provider-sponsored health plan serving more than 1.3 million members. Through experience and collaboration, we are reimagining a better, more equitable model of health and wellness. For more information, visit corewellhealth.org. 

Media Contact:

Alexis Bolo Neal

alexis.boloneal@corewellhealth.org