Friends and families of patients at Mary Greeley Medical Center, as well as outpatients themselves, soon will be able to stay overnight at a new “guesthouse.”

A 60-year-old house at 1018 Kellogg Ave., within walking distance of Mary Greeley, recently has been renovated for use as a guesthouse.

The house will open at the end of July.

“From a community service standpoint, our main goal is to provide proximity for our patients and their loved ones. We serve an 18-county region, which means many of our patients and their families have to travel long distances,” said Linda Muston, vice president of community services.

“This is also especially helpful with the increase in outpatient surgery such as cataract surgery, where the patient has to be rechecked the next day,” Muston added.

David Burling, chaplain at Mary Greeley, said the new guesthouse is part of a nationwide trend of providing low-cost and convenient housing for patients and their families.

“We hope that it will also serve as a mini-community or support group for the families there that are going through the same sorts of difficulties,” Burling said.

The 1000 square-foot house has three bedrooms, each with a bathroom and kitchenette, and a common gathering area outfitted with a television.

According to a press release, guests can be referred by previous visitors, a physician, or another hospital staff member. Guests will be able to stay free of charge as long as they have a family member at the hospital, but donations are accepted.

Since space is limited, guests will be taken on a first-come, first-serve basis. A waiting list will be formed in the event that not enough rooms are available, according to a press release.

Mary Greeley also has a list available of Ames area hotels and motels that offer discounts and other services for the loved ones of patients.