US-based non-profit health system Aspirus Health has announced that work on the emergency department (ED) expansion at Aspirus Wausau Hospital (AWH) is entering its final stages.

The expansion work began in July last year and aims to address the growing demand for emergency services in Wausau, Wisconsin.

With the first phase of development work complete, patients can now access the hospital’s new ED.

As part of the final phase, the existing ED at AWH and the waiting area will be transformed into additional ED treatment spaces.

The 29,500ft² expansion is expected to nearly double the existing size of the ED.

The project includes the addition of larger rooms, increasing the number of these rooms from 18 to 30, and the introduction of more critical care and triage rooms.

A larger waiting area, improved patient drop-off facilities and parking spaces are also part of the enhancement plan.

The expansion incorporates sustainable features such as energy-efficient heating, cooling and lighting systems.

During the construction, AWH will continue to operate with 18 treatment rooms, aiming to avoid disruption to patient care.

The completion of the final phases of work is expected to take almost a year.

AWH ED director Mason Lucca said: “The new emergency department is a testament to our commitment to providing exceptional care to our community.

“The new space will enable us to better serve our patients, both now and in the future.” 

Aspirus Wausau Hospital serves as a regional referral centre offering primary, secondary and tertiary care services.

It specialises in providing cancer treatment, women's health, orthopaedics, spine and neurological care, and is also known for its cardiovascular programme.

The hospital admits around 15,000 patients a year, with more than 50,000 outpatient visits and more than 24,000 emergency department visits each year.