ONTONAGON – Aspirus Ontonagon Hospital’s Emergency Department is getting an 8,210-square-foot expansion and renovation, according to a recent news release from Aspirus.

With a project completion date set for March 2017, engineering and design plans are being finalized. The project includes the addition of a new canopy entrance to the existing facility, new private emergency care rooms, and new physician and nurse stations. Also included in the plans are an expanded triage, patient reception and waiting areas. Existing patient rooms will also receive renovations and upgrades. Plans for the project also include a new walk-in patient entrance vestibule and canopied drop-off; a new ambulance canopy and patient entrance; new exam/treatment rooms and new patient restrooms.

Aspirus Ontonagon Hospital Marketing Coordinator Pam Karttunen is excited about the project.

“As we approached the design of this project, one thing has remained constant,” she stated. “One-hundred percent of the project is focused on patient comfort, safety, quality of care and efficiency.”

The new addition and renovation in Ontonagon is a clear example of the ways Aspirus responds to the needs of communities across the U.P., Chuck Nelson, Aspirus Upper Peninsula regional chief executive officer said.

“With our great team of providers and staff in place,” Karttunen stated, “The county of Ontonagon has been experiencing excellent emergency care for many years. Now, with this new addition and renovation, patients, families and staff will experience an even higher level of care.”

The general contractor for the project is Miron Construction Co., and the architect is HDR Architecture. A groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled for May and during the event, Aspirus will share details of the project. Also discussed at the event will be how the new facility will enhance and expand emergency care for Ontonagon County and the region overall.

The hospital’s emergency department and in-patient unit will remain fully operations for the duration of the project with no interruptions in patient care, the release stated.