A new hospital project planned for Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, is gaining momentum after receiving approval from the city’s planning commission. Aspirus Health, a Wausau-based health system, has moved one step closer to breaking ground on the facility, which is expected to include an emergency room, inpatient beds, and basic lab services.

The project was approved following a public hearing on Monday, where the planning commission granted a conditional use permit for the construction. This move marks a significant milestone for Aspirus Health, which announced its intentions to build the new hospital back in November.

"We’re excited to move forward with the project to fill a healthcare gap left by the closure of local hospitals and clinics," said a representative from Aspirus Health. The hospital's construction comes in the wake of the abrupt closure of Hospital Sisters Health System’s hospitals in Chippewa Falls and Eau Claire last spring, which created a critical void in healthcare services for residents in the region.

Aspirus is currently working to finalize the land purchase agreement, and the company will soon seek approval from the Chippewa Falls City Council to enter into a developer agreement. The health system hopes to have the necessary approvals secured within the next few weeks.

Once the city council approves the project, Aspirus expects the hospital to be operational in as little as 18 months. The new facility will not only provide essential healthcare services for Chippewa Falls but also help address broader healthcare needs in western Wisconsin. "This hospital is essential for the region, and we’re committed to delivering it as quickly as possible," said the Aspirus Health spokesperson.

The hospital project is viewed as a crucial step toward restoring healthcare access in the region, especially after the loss of multiple local medical centers. "We’re focused on delivering high-quality care to the community, and this new hospital will be integral to achieving that goal," added the Aspirus representative.

As construction plans move ahead, Aspirus Health is optimistic about the project's timeline and its potential to provide much-needed healthcare services to western Wisconsin. With the City Council's approval, this new facility will be an important development in the region's healthcare infrastructure.

Originally reported by Hope Kirwan in Wisconsin Public Radio.