Bare bones

IRONWOOD TOWNSHIP - Aspirus Grand View Hospital's $4 million renovation project is about 15 percent done, Peter DuPuis, project manager from Miron Construction, Neenah, Wis., said Tuesday.

Late September is the anticipated completion date. Work began in early October.

Miron has completed more than 20 health care remodels in Wisconsin and Illinois over the past 10 years, and is also constructing a new clinic for Aspirus in Houghton, DuPuis said.

Houghton's clinic will be completed by the end of May.

"Remodels are very challenging," DuPois said.

DuPois said Aspirus leadership wants to improve patient care, and make patients more comfortable.

The local project employs between 10 and 13 local subcontractors per day, DuPuis said. Currently, work is being done on the new laboratory, making use of old storage space. It will allow easier access for patients.

By mid-February, the second phase of the project will begin in the emergency room, which will affect more staff members, DuPois said. This stage of construction will be completed with an eye to keeping the emergency room open and accessible to patients.

The end goal is to improve patient privacy, while receiving care in the emergency room.

"Deep in their bones, Aspirus wants to step up and improve the quality of care," DuPuis said.