Courtesy of Aspirus Aspirus Ontonagon Hospital’s emergency entrance

ONTONAGON — The Aspirus Ontonagon Clinic is relocating to a newly renovated space on the Aspirus Ontonagon campus, formerly home to the hospital’s Emergency Room, according to an Aspirus realease. The clinic entrance will be accessible from the main parking lot facing South 7th Street.

This move reflects continued growth in services and Aspirus’ ongoing commitment to meeting the evolving healthcare needs of the Ontonagon community, the release says.

“By relocating to a larger, modernized space on campus, we are better positioned to provide timely, coordinated care and continue expanding services close to home for our patients,” Melanee Tiura, Chief Administrative Officer at Aspirus Keweenaw, is quoted as saying in the release.

In February 2024, Aspirus announced it would end hospital and emergency room operations at Aspirus Ontonagon Hospital and would transition to a rural health clinic. The closure left Baraga County Memorial Hospital, 47 miles away, as the closest hospital for Ontonagon residents seeking emergency care and many other services. Hancock’s UP Health – Portage was listed as a second option.

Ontonagon County officials and an ad hoc committee worked to find a solution that would allow for continued emergency services, which included considering a rural emergency hospital, a federal designation designed to maintain hospital services in areas that would go without emergency care due to hospital closures. However, Aspirus had informed county officials the Ontonagon hospital would not qualify for the designation.

In Feb. 2024, UP Health – Portage issued a statement in which it said it was prepared for any increase in services.

“While we cannot precisely predict the full impact this closure will have on our patient volumes, we are confident in our preparedness to meet the potential increase in health care needs,” the release said. “As part of the broader UP Health System, our network is well-equipped to provide the necessary support and care.”

The impact of the closure became apparent not long after, according to Monday’s Aspirus release. “In April 2024, Aspirus Ontonagon transitioned to a new care model, including primary care, same-day access, core laboratory services, imaging, physical, occupational and speech therapy, retail pharmacy services, and specialty outreach for cardiology, women’s health, podiatry, and diabetes care,” it said. “Since that transition, patient demand has continued to grow, and the clinic has outgrown its current space.”

Relocating to the renovated on-campus location, the release says, will allow Aspirus Ontonagon Clinic to offer a modern, patient-centered environment with larger exam rooms, improved workflow, and enhanced access to care. The new space will support same-day appointment availability, onsite and easily accessible Imaging and laboratory services, and a conveniently located pharmacy–all designed to streamline visits and improve the overall patient experience.