
WAUSAU – Aspirus Wausau Hospital will invest $227 million to improve access, capacity and specialized services in Wausau.
According to a Tuesday morning release from Aspirus, the multi-phase project is scheduled to start early this year and aims to meet the growing need for critical care. The health system’s goal is to position the Wausau hospital as a destination for patients to receive complex, specialized care. According to the release, the project reinforces Aspirus’ commitment to elevating health care standards in the communities it serves.
Construction at Aspirus Wausau Hospital will move forward in phases, minimizing disruption to hospital operations, according to the release. Aspirus will provide regular updates on milestones throughout the project.
Matt Heywood, the president and CEO of Aspirus, said the expansion project will elevate Aspirus Wausau Hospital as the destination for patients to find specialized health care in northcentral Wisconsin.
“It is a direct response to the growing needs of our patients and communities,” he said. “By increasing capacity and access to advanced technology, we are ensuring timely care and creating efficiencies that benefit everyone.”
What does the project include?
Aspirus Wausau Hospital will add 48 intermediate care beds and a 16-bed observation unit to address growing needs. Provisions will be included to allow for future intensive care unit expansions.
The hospital will add a new fixed PET/CT scanner. The new machine will help improve cancer treatments and minimize travel for patients who need critical imaging.
The project also includes redesigning specialized care unit spaces to better support care teams.
Aspirus Wausau Hospital will also upgrade and expand its surgical facilities to meet rising demand and improve efficiency for patients.
What does this mean for Aspirus’ future?
Aspirus aims to continue to provide high-quality, patient-centered care for generations to come with its largest investment in the company’s history, according to the release. The Wausau project aims to help reinforce its quality of specialized health care, especially in neuroscience and heart care.
The project aims to help Aspirus plan for future health care needs, especially caring for an aging population and an increasing complexity in patient care, the release said.
Heywood said the project has been designed for flexibility and foresight, enhancing patient flow, improving care transitions and strengthening the collaboration across its specialized care teams. Providing better tools and resources will help empower staff to provide higher levels of care for patients, he said.
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Contact Caitlin at [email protected] or follow her on Twitter @CaitlinShuda.
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