The Gonda Building's West entrance welcomes over 4,000 visitors daily and will stay open later to accommodate patients with evening appointments. Following a successful month-long pilot program, these hours have been permanently extended, enhancing convenience for patients and their caregivers. 
 
During the pilot, feedback was gathered through in-person interviews. Patients and caregivers appreciated the later hours, noting reduced confusion, a warmer welcome and easier navigation for after-hours appointments. Staff working after hours also observed benefits from the extended hours, noting decreased wayfinding calls during the pilot.
 
While most appointment check-in times end earlier in the day, some departments, like Radiology, offer extended hours to meet patients' needs, with check-ins available as late as 9 p.m. 
 
"Practice hours are not affected by this change," says James Watson, M.D., chair of the Midwest Outpatient Practice Subcommittee. "But, by leaving the doors open just a little longer, we ensure that every patient who arrives at Mayo Clinic feels supported and welcome from the moment they arrive on campus." 

New Gonda West entrance hours  

The Gonda West entrance will remain open: 

• Mondays through Thursdays, until 9 p.m. 

• Fridays, until 7 p.m. 

What you need to know  

Here are some things to know about this change: 

• Practice hours will not change.  

• Door attendants have extended their hours to help patients with wayfinding.  

• Global Security has increased remote monitoring in the evenings.  

• If patients printed their Patient Appointment Guide before Oct. 21, they may not have accurate wayfinding information. Patient Appointment Guide instructions will be accurate online. Be prepared to help patients who need it.  

• The airport and hotel shuttle schedule will not change. Valet service will remain available at the Gonda Building until 6 p.m.