HOUGHTON, Michigan (September 11, 2013) – Aspirus is constructing a new multi-service health care clinic in Houghton that will provide patients easier access to a variety of services in one location. The clinic will bring family medicine, pediatrics, oncology, orthopedics, women’s health, outpatient therapies, pharmacy, lab services and diagnostic imaging including mammography, into one facility. Construction will begin in September and the clinic will open in June 2014.
“We’re increasing the number of doctors and specialists under one roof to save patients time and energy going from one uclinic to another for various procedures and tests,” said Aspirus Keweenaw Medical Director Dr. Jerry Luoma. “We’re going to do more for the patient right here than most free-standing clinics around the country currently offer.”
The $5.4 million, 18,389-square-foot clinic will be located near Walmart and Country Inn and Suites. In addition to all of the other services supported, the facility will hold 19 exam rooms dedicated to primary and specialty care.
“While our current Medical Arts clinic has served the community for a number of years, it became apparent that we needed to expand our facility with the addition of services and physicians to our Houghton health care team,” said Aspirus Keweenaw Chief Operating Officer Mike Hauswirth. “The new construction design gives us the ability to work around the changing needs of the community. We are consolidating our clinic and therapy services plus adding space to support the most-needed specialty services.”
Dr. Luoma said the new clinic gives Aspirus Keweenaw greater capacity for the Women’s Health program. Women will have comfortable, convenient access to routine screenings including breast and pelvic exams, bone density tests, lab work and other related services, all in one location.
Aspirus Houghton Clinic is loaded with features to maximize the patient experience, starting with easy access parking and a drive-under canopy at the front entrance. Central registration and a patient waiting area will be near the main entrance, as will rehabilitation and outpatient therapies.
“The clinic is designed around the patient to ensure the most efficient experience. Any space that a patient needs to access is within a short walking distance,” said Tracey Traut, project manager.
Aspirus Keweenaw Board of Directors President Dan Dalquist said the new clinic is, “Evidence of our commitment to the greater community and our continuing effort to improve patient care.”
Aspirus Keweenaw Chief Executive Officer Chuck Nelson said the new clinic represents the evolution of Aspirus Keweenaw and the entire Aspirus health care system in the Upper Peninsula.
“We are able to leverage the resources of the Aspirus system to develop facilities that are most appropriate for the communities we serve,” Nelson said. “In all facets, we present the best opportunity for our patients to be treated in the best way, in the best facilities, in the best surroundings.”
Rick Nevers, Vice President of Marketing and Planning for Aspirus, is excited about the clinic’s capabilities. “We’re honored to have the privilege of serving the Keweenaw community,” he said. “We look forward to providing excellent, compassionate care in the area for many years to come.”
The general contractor, Miron Construction Co., Inc., is working with local and regional contracting service support companies for the construction of the facility. The architect is Plunkett Raysich Architects.
Ground breaking for Aspirus Houghton Clinic is expected in mid-September.