By Joe Bachman
Editor

STEVENS POINT — Aspirus Stevens Point Medical Campus celebrated their new emergency department on Wednesday evening.

A ribbon cutting ceremony was held to commemorate the department, which will open to patients on June 20. The department is part of a 40,000 sq. foot expansion to the facility. This features an expanded walk-in, primary and specialty care, and added ground transport service with a helipad and ambulance garage. The new facility not only serves the community in job creation, but in a growing location, right across from the Crossroad Commons.

Due to prior obligations, Mayor Mike Wiza was not able to stay for the event, so 71st Assembly District Rep. Katrina Shankland (D-Stevens Point) read some of his prepared remarks for the event.

Dozens gathered to tour the new emergency management facility. (City Times Photo)

“The most exciting element of an expansion like this is the direct effect on jobs and families. …this expansion will spur the addition of another fifty well-paying jobs that will allow for a more vibrant and dynamic community.” read Shankland.

Aspirus CEO Matthew Heywood was on hand, as well as Gov. Scott Walker for the celebration.

“This celebration is really special to me, as I look out at our organization and where we’ve come from, and the five years I’ve had the privilege of working here, it is truly humbling,” said Heywood, who pointed out that Aspirus ranks in the top 15 healthcare systems in the country. “…over the last five years, we’ve started to form ourselves into a system to create cohesive, standardized care for our patients.”

EMT vehicles outside of the new emergency department. (City Times Photo)

“Part of what keeps people here, [Wisconsin] and part of what attracts people here, and attracts employers here is the quality of life, and a big part of that is having access to quality health care right in your backyard,” said Gov. Walker. “It’s an honor to be here today, and I want to thank everyone that’s been a part of this, as well in the terms of the structure itself, but also in terms of what’s going to happen in the coming days and the benefit that it provides to everyone.”

Tours were given to all attendees of the new facility. The Aspirus Stevens Point Clinic is located at 5409 Vern Holmes Dr.