Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
WAUSAU, Wis. — Aspirus Health announced Tuesday that major changes are coming to two of its locations in the Upper Peninsula, including transitioning Aspirus Ontonagon Hospital into a rural health clinic and a $30 million renovation and expansion of Aspirus Keweenaw Hospital in Laurium.
The transitioning of the Ontonagon hospital into a rural health clinic “will provide services that better match local needs in a community that has changed dramatically in recent years,” said a release from Aspirus.
Changes in Ontonagon will be effective April 20.
“Hospital and emergency services will be replaced by a robust suite of outpatient-only services the community depends on,” said the release. “Currently, Aspirus Ontonagon Hospital serves just one inpatient a day on average. Some days, there are no inpatients.”
The release said the Ontonagon clinic will provide: primary care, same-day access, core laboratory services, imaging services, physical, occupational and speech therapy, retail pharmacy services, and specialty outreach for cardiology, women’s health, podiatry and diabetes care.
“Aspirus values every one of its team members and is working directly with each employee in Ontonagon whose role will change to find a new position within the system. Human resources leaders are meeting individually with staff, offering a broad range of services and resources to support a smooth transition,” said the release.
“Aspirus Health is committing generous resources to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula to meet changing regional health needs and build thriving communities,” said the release. “By investing in renovations and expansion, Aspirus will transform its care model to remain strong and vibrant despite a challenging health care environment.”
The major renovation and expansion project at Aspirus Keweenaw Hospital is aimed at meeting growing local needs for hospital, primary care and specialty care services, said the release.
According to the release, the improvements at Aspirus Keweenaw will: update the efficiency and effectiveness of existing infrastructure; redesign and remodel inpatient rooms to a larger, more comfortable private layout that supports advanced care delivery, technology and a better patient experience; increase access to orthopedic care, consolidate services and improve patient flow and convenience; and improve walk-in and same-day primary care access.
“Aspirus Health is committed to the Upper Peninsula, and to continuously transforming to meet the changing needs of its communities,” said Christine Harff, Aspirus U.P. Region president. “Despite the COVID-19 pandemic and recent economic challenges, we have stayed strong through foresight, integration and rigorous continuous improvement. We are happy to be able to invest these resources in support of the people who depend on us for excellent, compassionate care.”
