Aspirus Ironwood Hospital Completes First Phase of Renovation Project

Aspirus Ironwood Hospital has completed phase 1 of a multi-phased renovation project. 

Phase 1 included a refresh of the medical-surgical patient rooms, waiting rooms and a new delivery room for expecting moms complete with an ADA-compliant bathroom and walk-in shower. Phase 1 also included the addition of a Fluoroscopy Machine in Imaging which was installed and completed in Fall 2022. 

Roman Gonshorowski of Ironwood was the  first patient to occupy one of the new rooms on July 18.  

“Patient care is our number one priority,” said Paula Chermside, Chief Administrative Officer at Aspirus Ironwood Hospital. “These improvements not only enhance privacy but improve safety, patient experience and workflow.”
Work will soon begin on service areas including a full renovation of the intensive care unit, swing bed and physical therapy. Swing Bed is a short-term, skilled care program designed to help patients rehab before returning home. In the interim, the intensive care unit has been temporarily relocated to the emergency department. The renovated intensive care unit will enhance privacy, workflow and patient care and is expected to be completed this fall. 

“In this new space, our teams will be able to personalize a short-term rehabilitation program and personalized treatment plan to help get patients home sooner,” said Chermside. “The swing bed program allows patients and their families the ability to work with Aspirus staff to create a unique plan to fit their needs.”

The renovation in the ICU also includes a new mechanical system to provide isolation capability for all intensive care suites. The new system will provide an environment that protects the building structure, creates safe and healthy surroundings, and offers optimal heating, cooling, and ventilation.

“These projects are further affirmation of the investment by Aspirus Health in our community hospital,” said John Matonich, Aspirus UP Regional Board Chair. “One of the reasons we sought affiliation with Aspirus 10 years ago  was the recognition of facility enhancements needed on the hospital campus which led to the development of a long-range facility plan.”

As part of that plan, other upgrades to the Aspirus Ironwood campus that have been completed include the emergency department, lab and pharmacy; clinic/walk-in, physical rehabilitation and medical oncology. Areas providing women’s health services were also done with support from the Aspirus Ironwood Auxiliary. 

Future phases of campus renovation and upgrades are in the planning stages as well as other building infrastructure needs which will be addressed in the coming year.