The expansion represents a $227 million investment and is intended to address growing critical care needs as patient care becomes more complex and the region’s population ages.
- Aspirus Wausau Hospital held a groundbreaking ceremony May 8 for a multi-year expansion project, with construction expected to continue through 2028.
- The expansion is a $227 million investment — the largest in its history — intended to meet growing critical care needs and support more complex, specialized care.
- Planned upgrades include 48 intermediate care beds, a 16-bed observation unit, expanded surgical facilities, redesigned specialty-care spaces and a new fixed PET/CT scanner.
- Construction will proceed in phases to minimize disruption to hospital operations, with regular updates planned on milestones and community impact.
WAUSAU, Wis. — Aspirus Wausau Hospital formally launched its expansion project May 8 with a groundbreaking ceremony that brought together leaders from Aspirus Health, design partner HGA, Miron Construction and local officials.
Aspirus says the multi-phase effort — scheduled to begin in early 2025 and continue through 2028 — is designed to increase capacity, expand diagnostic and surgical capabilities and support specialized care closer to home for northcentral Wisconsin patients.
Dozens of attendees participated in the May 8 ceremony, which it framed as a milestone reflecting the hospital’s growth and the organization’s long-term commitment to expanding access to high-quality care across the region.
The expansion represents a $227 million investment and is intended to address growing critical care needs as patient care becomes more complex and the region’s population ages.
“This expansion positions Aspirus Wausau Hospital as the destination for specialized health care in Northcentral Wisconsin,” said Matt Heywood, Aspirus Health president and CEO, according to a project overview from Aspirus Health Care.
Aspirus outlined several clinical and operational components for the project, including 48 intermediate care beds and a 16-bed observation unit, with provisions for future intensive care expansion. The plan also calls for a new fixed PET/CT scanner to strengthen cancer diagnostics and reduce travel for certain imaging needs, along with redesigned specialty-care spaces and expanded surgical facilities, Aspirus said.
Heywood said the project is intended to improve patient movement and care coordination as the hospital’s service mix evolves. “This expansion is designed for flexibility and foresight,” Heywood added.
Aspirus said construction will proceed in phases to minimize disruption to ongoing hospital operations, and it plans to provide regular updates on project milestones and community impact through its communications channels.
Key Features of the Expansion
- Increased Capacity: 48 intermediate care beds and a 16-bed observation unit to address growing patient needs, with provisions for future Intensive Care Unit expansion.
- Advanced Diagnostics: A new fixed PET/CT scanner to improve cancer services and minimize patient travel for critical imaging.
- Specialized Care Units: Redesigned spaces to better support care teams and deliver exceptional patient outcomes.
- Expanded Surgical Facilities: Upgraded spaces to meet rising patient demand and improve operational efficiency.
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