City Times Staff

Ministry St. Michael’s Hospital has a new name.

Stevens Point is among the first of the Ascension hospital locations to adopt the new logo and moniker, along with St. Clare’s in Weston. The name was legally changed on Sept. 1.

“Patients will see a multimedia marketing and advertising campaign in markets throughout the region and the Ascension brand identity on everything from lab coats and letterhead to electronic health records and community sponsorships,” a news release from Ascension reads in part.

“This is an important milestone in our One Ascension journey,” said Ascension Healthcare Senior Vice President and Ascension Wisconsin Ministry Market Executive Bernie Sherry. “These facilities are helping lay the foundation for our health ministry’s initiative to unite all of our local brands, names and care teams.”

Changes to major exterior hospital signage at entrances and in key internal areas of facilities in Wausau and Stevens Point will serve as the starting point of changes to reflect the Ascension name, the release says. The re-branding will continue in other communities in central and northern Wisconsin over the next few months with a phased approach in other areas of the state over the next year.

Once the process is complete, the names Ministry and Ministry Health Care will no longer be used.

“By connecting the care we provide, we make it easier for patients and communities to find the care they need, when and how they need it,” said Ascension Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing and Communications Officer Nick Ragone. “You still see the doctor you know and trust, but now you know your doctor is connected to other experts and specialists across the state and across the country, all dedicated to providing care specific to your individual needs.”

The names of other facilities in Merrill, Tomahawk, Rhinelander, Woodruff, Eagle River and Stanley will transition in the coming months, the release said.