Aspirus breaks ground for expanded and enhanced facility in Ontonagon

Aspirus Ontonagon Hospital broke ground Tuesday, on a new, state-of-the-art emergency department expansion and hospital renovation project that will continue to provide a higher level of urgent care for Ontonagon County and surrounding areas well into the future.

The 8,200 sq. ft. expansion and renovation project was celebrated during an all-community groundbreaking ceremony at Aspirus Ontonagon Hospital. Community residents joined Aspirus Inc. leadership and Aspirus Ontonagon Hospital staff for the ceremony. Also in attendance were State Representative Scott Dianda and corporate leadership from Miron Construction Co. Inc. The Aspirus MedEvac helicopter, local first responders, and local and state law enforcement made a special appearance during the festivities.

Aspirus Ontonagon’s new expansion and renovation is 100 percent focused on patient privacy, safety and comfort. The project includes highly efficient, state-of-the-art emergency care rooms; canopied entrances for easy, comfortable access by patients and EMS; and updated patient rooms, halls and nursing areas. The new facility will enhance and expand emergency care for Ontonagon County and the region for years to come. Aspirus Ontonagon’s emergency department will be fully operational for the duration of the project, set for completion in March 2017.

“As we approached the design of this project, one thing has remained constant: 100 percent of the project is focused on patient comfort, safety, quality of care and efficiency,” said Mike
Hauswirth, CEO of Aspirus Ontonagon Hospital and Aspirus Keweenaw Hospital. “The Aspirus Ontonagon Emergency Department expansion and hospital renovation will deliver an incredibly functional, efficient and attractive health care facility that is best suited for the care of the community today and well into the future.”

Aspirus Ontonagon Hospital strives every day, in every way, to elevate health care quality, clinical performance and patient satisfaction. Aspirus continually delivers on its commitment by bringing excellent doctors, surgeons, nurses, lab and diagnostic technology to patients close to home.

“As a non-profit organization, Aspirus proudly reinvests every margin dollar in people, facilities and technology. This project is a great example of that,” said Chuck Nelson, Aspirus Upper Peninsula Regional CEO. “In addition to providing resources to support this project, Aspirus has committed millions of dollars to all of our Western U.P. communities with exciting construction and renovation projects in Keweenaw, Ironwood and Iron River. No other health care organization is coming close to investing in the Western Upper Peninsula like Aspirus.”