The Chippewa Valley in Wisconsin is on the verge of a significant healthcare transformation. Plans for a brand new hospital along the U.S. 53 corridor in Lake Hallie are well underway. This state-of-the-art facility is set to open in fall 2027 and will offer a comprehensive range of healthcare services.

Comprehensive Services at the New Hospital

The Chippewa Valley Health Cooperative's new 144,000-square-foot hospital will be a flexible and advanced facility. It will include 48 hospital beds, with a 12-bed Intensive Care Unit (ICU). The emergency department will be equipped to handle various medical emergencies. Medical-surgical services, labor & delivery, and critical care units will also be available. Additionally, a comprehensive cancer center and comprehensive diagnostic services like laboratory, radiology, and cardiology will be part of this hospital. There will also be a comprehensive therapy unit to offer physical, occupational, and speech therapies. This wide range of services aims to meet the diverse healthcare needs of the community.The projected cost for this new hospital is $120 million, with a total project cost of $158 million including start-up costs. This is substantially less than the initial estimates, making it a more feasible and affordable option for the community.

Optimal Location and Accessibility

The Cooperative evaluated several locations throughout Eau Claire and Chippewa counties before choosing a 20-acre parcel in Lake Hallie on the west side of U.S. 53. This location provides easy access to the hospital for patients and emergency services from the entire region. It is accessible via both Highway 29 and Highway 12. As Peter Hoeft, a member of the Cooperative's Board of Organizers, said, "This ideal location is optimally situated for easy access to the hospital." The decision was based on extensive modeling of traffic flow, demographics, and projected growth patterns. It ensures that emergency services can reach the hospital quickly in case of any need.

Bringing Behavioral Health Services

The Cooperative is also working on bringing behavioral health services to the community. As Robert Krause, the chair of the board of organizers, mentioned, "Our community and our research have made it clear that we need more local, effective, and affordable healthcare services in critical areas." The new full-service hospital will play a crucial role in addressing this need and providing comprehensive healthcare to the residents.

Employment and Medical Staff

The hospital is expected to employ more than 410 full-time employees, not including medical staff. The medical staff will consist of qualified and accredited physicians from throughout the region. The OakLeaf Medical Network, the largest independent network of physicians and clinics in Western Wisconsin, has pledged its support. OakLeaf Medical Network clinics care for over 55,000 local primary care patients, ensuring a strong medical foundation for the new hospital.

Nonprofit Organization and Independence

The Chippewa Valley Health Cooperative is a 501©(3) nonprofit organization. It is independent and accountable to its members, who are residents from the 18-county greater Chippewa Valley region, as well as physicians and other medical professionals. Independent hospitals like this one are not owned by health systems or integrated delivery networks. They prioritize caring for patients in their local communities and are committed to providing exceptional, local, and cost-effective healthcare for generations to come.There are over 1,500 independent hospitals in the United States, highlighting the significance and popularity of this model.More information about the Chippewa Valley Health Cooperative and the new hospital can be found at chippewavalleyhealthcooperative.org.