WAUSAU, Wis. (WSAW) -Aspirus Wausau Hospital marked a major step in its largest project to date with a groundbreaking ceremony for its expansion, which began construction early last year.<\/p>\n
Hospital leaders said the project includes renovations and additions inside and outside the facility, aimed at expanding specialized care for more patients in the region.<\/p>\n
Once complete, the hospital will have space for 72 additional patients, updated surgical services and a new PET\/CT scanner. Leaders said the scanner will enhance cancer care and reduce the need for patients to travel for certain services.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is about three years of planning that we have been working on this,\u201d Jeff Wicklander said. \u201cMaking sure that we were really evaluating what is best for the patients in our communities, really specifically about how we were targeting those very sick patients, right, in the complex care we deliver here.\u201d<\/p>\n
Initial estimates put the cost of the project at $227 million. Hospital officials said the work is expected to bring jobs to the area through contractors, subcontractors and suppliers.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re bringing a lot of work to this community, so it\u2019s not only Miron\u2019s employees, but it\u2019s the subcontractors and suppliers that are working on the projects,\u201d Craig Uhlenbrauck said. \u201cWe have a lot of local vendors and people helping us with this project.\u201d<\/p>\n
Officials said the expansion is being designed with the area\u2019s aging population in mind. Work is expected to be completed in 2028.<\/p>\n
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