Patient Monitor Upgrade, Enhanced Community Participation are Highlights of Hospital’s First Two Years with Aspirus

STEVENS POINT, WI – August marks the two-year anniversary of the Stevens Point community’s partnership with Aspirus Health System.

Over the past two years, Aspirus has invested more than $2 million to support improvements to Aspirus Stevens Point Hospital that ensure the highest quality health care for patients and the community.

The most significant capital investment was a complete upgrade of patient monitors, allowing for improved access to data history, enhanced diagnostic capabilities, central monitoring, and enhanced alarm systems with bedside monitors. A total of 114 patient monitors were purchased for locations throughout the hospital, including the emergency department, intermediate care unit, radiology, surgery, medical/surgical unit, cardiac catheterization laboratory (cath lab), and intensive care unit.

“These are needed investments in our community hospital that we have been able to provide because of the support we receive as part of the Aspirus Health System, along with philanthropic gifts we receive from generous donors,” said Bob Smith, president of Aspirus Stevens Point and Plover hospitals and the Aspirus Southeast Division.

Within the past year since the nation has emerged from the effects of the pandemic, Aspirus Stevens Point Hospital and its clinics have been actively involved within the communities they serve, providing support for numerous programs and events. Most recently, Aspirus was the official regional and on-site medical support provider for the U.S. Senior Open. More than 193 Aspirus staff members volunteered their time, with approximately 7,000 visits to the Aspirus Health booth during the event. Aspirus was also a premium partner for Riverfront Rendezvous, and Aspirus staff participated in the Project Fresh Start school supply drive to support local students, as well as a book drive that supported the Salvation Army, CAP Services, the Lincoln Senior Center, and free little libraries.

In July, Aspirus Stevens Point Hospital and its clinics achieved the prestigious “Baby-Friendly” designation, an international award given to health organizations that adhere to the highest breastfeeding care standards as set by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF).

“We are thankful to be part of an organization with a strong mission for healing people, promoting health, and strengthening communities,” said Smith, “and we are grateful for the continued support and generosity of our community.”

Based in Wausau, Aspirus Health assumed ownership of the former Ascension St. Michael’s Hospital in August 2021 as part of an acquisition that included six other hospitals, 21 physician clinics, and air and ground medical transport services in north and central Wisconsin.

Aspirus Health is mission-driven to provide small communities with convenient access to compassionate, excellent care. In addition to the Stevens Point community, Aspirus serves communities in northern and central Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, with 17 hospitals, 75 clinics, home health and hospice care, pharmacies, critical care and helicopter transport, medical goods, nursing homes, high-quality affiliated physicians, and a health insurance company.

To learn more about Aspirus Health or Aspirus Stevens Point Hospital, visit www.aspirus.org.

Photo: Registered nurses (from left) Haley White, Kay Woller and Rebecca Ciesielski demonstrate one of Aspirus Stevens Point Hospital’s 114 new patient monitors. This major investment is enhancing patient care and safety throughout the hospital.