Automatic door makes access to cancer and hematology center easier for patients.

Amy Lindenau, an active member of the TEAM employee group who suggested the idea, operates the new automatic door opener to Spectrum Health Ludington Hospital’s Cancer & Hematology treatment facility. The opening door reveals Brian Buter, co-chair of TEAM, and Caitlyn Outwater, Cancer & Hematology receptionist, who can also open the door from her desk so patients can easily leave after treatment.

LUDINGTON — An automatic door opener may not seem a likely candidate for a Christmas gift, but to patients at Spectrum Health Ludington Hospital’s Cancer & Hematology treatment facility, it’s a timely and welcome present from hospital employees.

The door opener was installed recently due to employee donations through TEAM, the employee organization within the local hospital foundation. TEAM (Together Employees Achieve More) annually adopts projects to improve patient services, comfort and convenience, financed from contributions by members of the group.

Medical records supervisor Amy Lindenau suggested the idea for the Cancer & Hematology door opener.

“Prior to a meeting about our TEAM ‘wish list,’ I happened to be at the Cancer & Hematology offices, and noticed a patient struggling to open the door,” said Lindenau.

“We often have patients who use wheelchairs, walkers or crutches, so we’ve installed devices in many areas to make access easier. C&H had recently moved into their new space, so I proposed the door opener and the committee recognized the need and adopted it.”

According to Brian Buter, TEAM co-chair, an extraordinary 40%-plus of Ludington Hospital employees regularly donate to the foundation for local projects, usually through payroll deductions.