State Rep. Nancy DeBoer (R-Holland) today announced a $1.7 million plan she plans to pursue in the state budget to support Holland Hospital’s expansion of advanced endoscopy services. The funding request was submitted today through the state’s new transparent legislative directed spending items process. The request seeks $1.7 million to establish a specialized procedure room and acquire the equipment necessary for advanced endoscopy, enhancing access to life-saving care for the Lakeshore community.

“This is an investment in the health and well-being of our community,” said DeBoer. “It ensures our families can access advanced care close to home while giving Holland Hospital the resources it needs to serve patients even better.”

“Access to high-quality healthcare should not require long travel times or extended waits,” said DeBoer. “Holland Hospital has already made significant investments in recruiting advanced endoscopy physicians, and this funding would allow them to provide these specialized, minimally invasive procedures right here at home. This means faster diagnoses, quicker treatment, and less disruption for patients and families.”

Advanced endoscopy allows physicians to diagnose and treat conditions of the intestines, pancreas, gall bladder, and liver without major surgery. Currently, many patients in the region face long wait times or must travel outside the community for these procedures, which often require overnight hospital stays.

With this funding, Holland Hospital will:

• Improve access to specialized endoscopy care for the Lakeshore community
• Expand the hospital workforce and provide new opportunities for physicians
• Reduce wait times, travel distance, and disruptions for patients and families
• Accelerate diagnoses and transition to treatment and follow-up care
• Leverage Holland Hospital’s investment in recruiting new physicians

The funding request includes $400,000 for construction and finishing of a new procedure room, $100,000 for anesthesia equipment, and $1.2 million for endoscopes and related diagnostic equipment.

“Holland Hospital is a pillar of the community,” said DeBoer. “The hospital is essential to the health of the community, both economically and literally.”