St. Joseph's opens new medical office builidng

Even before the severed ribbon hit the floor at the new HSHS St. Josephs Hospital Medical Office Building, the first patients had already streamed through the door.

The first family health patients began arriving for family health services at 8 a.m. Monday, more than three hours before the facilitys ceremonial opening. The first occupational health and physical therapy patients were to arrive later that afternoon.

Construction started last spring on the 26,000-square-foot building that currently hosts approximately 10 physicians. Thats the same number of doctors that were in the old family and occupational health facilities in the hospital itself. But Chris Klay, director of rehabilitation services, said that number could increase.

We designed this facility for growth, he said.

The building houses St. Joes family health, along with occupational health, physical therapy, and speech and language pathology. It also represents lots of equipment upgrades, but most of all, more room.

We really needed the space. That was difficult to find in the hospital, said Alyssa Van Duyse, marketing specialist with the hospital.

But the new building also represents a new level of convenience for patients. Only outpatients are served there.

If youre an outpatient, you dont need emergency services, Van Duyse said. Now they dont need to go into the hospital. They can come here instead.

Marci and Mark Myrman of Chippewa Falls showed up for the ribbon-cutting ceremonies. They have used the services now offered in the new building before, when they were still located in the hospital, and anticipate a great level of service at the new facility.

I think its very functional as well as beautiful, Marci Myrman said. Its just wonderful.

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St. Joseph's opens new medical office builidng