Aspirus announces $227 million expansion of Wausau hospital

WAUSAU – Aspirus Health this week announced an expansion of its Wausau hospital.

According to a release from Aspirus, the expansion of Aspirus Wausau Hospital is “designed to meet growing critical care needs and position the hospital as a destination for complex, specialized care.”

The release said the multiphase project, scheduled to begin early this year, “underscores Aspirus’ commitment to elevating health care standards for the communities it serves.”

“This expansion positions Aspirus Wausau Hospital as the destination for specialized health care in northcentral Wisconsin,” said Matt Heywood, Aspirus President and CEO. “It is a direct response to the growing needs of our patients and communities. By increasing capacity and access to advanced technology, we are ensuring timely care and creating efficiencies that benefit everyone.” 

Aspirus said key features of the expansion include:

• 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. 

“This expansion is designed for flexibility and foresight,” Heywood stated. “It will enhance patient flow, improve care transitions and strengthen collaboration across our specialized care teams. By providing better tools and resources, we are empowering our staff to deliver the highest level of care efficiently and effectively.” 

“Aspirus recognizes the importance of planning for future health care needs,” the release stated. “With an aging population and increasing complexity in patient care, this $227 million investment – the largest in Aspirus’ history – reflects the organization’s dedication to enhancing access, capacity and specialized services for the communities it serves.” 

The release said the project will “also prepare Aspirus for future growth opportunities, particularly in neuroscience and heart care, reinforcing its position as a leader in specialized health care.”

Construction will proceed in phases to minimize disruption to hospital operations, with regular updates on milestones and community impact shared through various channels, according to the release.

“By focusing on strategic investments like this expansion, Aspirus continues to build on its commitment to providing high-quality, patient-centered care for generations to come,” Aspirus stated.