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Memorial Medical Center New Hospital Project, 3/9/18
Friday, March 09, 2018
    -Memorial Medical Center:  Small Hospital, Big Difference, Brighter Future!  In November of 2016, Memorial Medical Center announced the building of a new $40 million facility to continue to serve the health care needs of Clark County and the surrounding area.
    In order to keep the community informed, here’s the latest on the progress of the project:

    "Patients will still be the focus.  That was the main theme that officials with Memorial Medical Center wanted people to know after a meeting with some county and community leaders Thursday morning.
     
    Memorial Medical Center and Marshfield Clinic Health System dropped a surprise announcement on the community when they revealed earlier this week that the two facilities have signed a letter of intent for MCHS to acquire MMC.  They hope to have the agreement signed by the end of June with MMC employees becoming Marshfield Clinic employees soon after.  Ryan Neville, CEO and President of Memorial Medical Center, wanted the community to know that this merger was not in the long term plans when MMC applied for the loan from the USDA to build a new facility.  He stated that as early as January, this merger wasn’t even in the cards.  However, he stated the time to do this is better than ever.  With their new building on the table, MCHS is very excited to bring their services to rural Clark County.  
     ‘This new partnership builds on more than three decades of collaboration between our two organizations, and signals a future of health care in Clark County where patients will have even greater access to care delivered where, when and how they want it,’ said Marshfield Clinic Health System CEO Dr. Susan Turney.
    They stressed how this merger will allow both entities to offer more services right here in Neillsville.  Mr. Neville stated that they, and MCHS, see this as a growth opportunity.  Patients that would normally go to MCHS to have certain procedures or exams done, such as chemo, can now have them completed right here in Neillsville.  All the resources of MMC and MCHS will be under one roof.  As for MMC’s clinic in Greenwood and Loyal, the MMC Greenwood Clinic and Marshfield Clinic would merge under one roof.  The Loyal Clinic would remain as it’s grandfathered in as a satellite of a critical access hospital.  This merger will also bring in more federal dollars that MMC currently doesn’t have access to and it will make insurance far simpler being under the umbrella of Security Health Plan.
    Mr. Neville, board members and others also stressed that patients will still be treated as patients.  They will not be treated as a number.  MMC, under MCHS, will still offer the same touches and services they do now.  They will also keep their providers, nurses and staff, so patients will still be treated by the people they know and trust.  Finally, it was stated that MMC could have chosen to remain independent, but their ability to continue to provide the level of service and care would have been stretched very thin and the facility would have been in for a rough road.  This merger allows them to have the longevity and stability they’ve strived for and still follow through on their mission statement of providing the best care possible.
    ‘This new level of partnership will enhance health care in Clark County by increasing coordination of one system in the delivery of care, providing a location for Marshfield Clinic to provide additional specialty care and aligns Clark County's largest health insurer, Security Health Plan, with a local presence,’ said Memorial Medical Center CEO Ryan Neville. 
    MMC board member Russell Ratsch stated, “Memorial Medical Center and Marshfield Clinic have a long history as trusted partners providing healthcare services to the Neillsville area and surrounding communities.  Joining together at this time of transformation and renewal promises expanded healthcare services delivered locally in a new state of the art facility as well as strengthened employment and economic growth opportunities.”
    Memorial Medical Center is also answering any question you may have like this one:
    “Q:  What does MMC joining MCHS mean for the community?
    A:  MMC will continue to fulfill its mission of providing the best experience in health care.  But data has pointed out that they need to join with MCHS to continue to do this to the best of their abilities.  85% of MMC’s patients are also patients at MCHS.  Only 40% of the direct community utilizes MMC while 60% utilizes MCHS and 41% of their revenue is from Security Health Plan.”
    “Q:  What does MMC joining MCHS mean for the employees?
    A:  MMC’s Board of Directors’ main priority has always been maintaining local employment.  With this agreement, employment at MMC will be maintained.”
    “Q:  What does MMC joining MCHS mean for the new facility?
    A:  That project will continue.  MCHS supports the construction of this $40 million dollar facility and all plans, plus some additional programs will move forward.  MMC will continue to collaborate with Sniteman’s Pharmacy, Art of Optometry and Neillsville Care and Rehab for the project as well.  This change will only move the project timeline back a few months.”

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    posted by Unknown at 8:59 AM | Email Us
Memorial Medical Center New Hospital Project Update, 3/7/18
Wednesday, March 07, 2018


    -Memorial Medical Center:  Small Hospital, Big Difference, Brighter Future!  In November of 2016, Memorial Medical Center announced the building of a new $40 million facility to continue to serve the health care needs of Clark County and the surrounding area.
    In order to keep the community informed, here’s the latest on the progress of the project:
    “Marshfield Clinic Health System and Memorial Hospital, Inc. signed a letter of intent to provide more accessible quality health care services to the Neillsville community through an affiliation partnership.  The signing of the letter of intent signals the start of a due diligence period to finalize terms of the acquisition with a goal of completing the transaction by June 30.  The two organizations have worked collaboratively for decades. Currently six Marshfield Clinic specialties are active at Memorial Medical Center, with Radiology most recently added. 
    ‘This new partnership builds on more than three decades of collaboration between our two organizations, and signals a future of health care in Clark County where patients will have even greater access to care delivered where, when and how they want it,’ said Marshfield Clinic Health System CEO Dr. Susan Turney.
    This affiliation supports the construction of a new $40 million medical, surgical, and outpatient clinic in Neillsville. The current medical center was built in 1954. The new center will further enable the two organizations in providing more accessible health care services to the community. 
    ‘This new level of partnership will enhance health care in Clark County by increasing coordination of one system in the delivery of care, providing a location for Marshfield Clinic to provide additional specialty care and aligns Clark County's largest health insurer, Security Health Plan, with a local presence,’ said Memorial Medical Center CEO Ryan Neville. 
    MMC board member Russell Ratsch stated, “Memorial Medical Center and Marshfield Clinic have a long history as trusted partners providing healthcare services to the Neillsville area and surrounding communities.  Joining together at this time of transformation and renewal promises expanded healthcare services delivered locally in a new state of the art facility as well as strengthened employment and economic growth opportunities.”
    Memorial Medical Center is also answering any question you may have like this one:
    “Q:  What does MMC joining MCHS mean for the community?
    A:  MMC will continue to fulfill its mission of providing the best experience in health care.  But data has pointed out that they need to join with MCHS to continue to do this to the best of their abilities.  85% of MMC’s patients are also patients at MCHS.  Only 40% of the direct community utilizes MMC while 60% utilizes MCHS and 41% of their revenue is from Security Health Plan.”
    “Q:  What does MMC joining MCHS mean for the employees?
    A:  MMC’s Board of Directors’ main priority has always been maintaining local employment.  With this agreement, employment at MMC will be maintained.”
    “Q:  What does MMC joining MCHS mean for the new facility?
    A:  That project will continue.  MCHS supports the construction of this $40 million dollar facility and all plans, plus some additional programs will move forward.  MMC will continue to collaborate with Sniteman’s Pharmacy, Art of Optometry and Neillsville Care and Rehab for the project as well.  This change will only move the project timeline back a few months.”

    posted by Unknown at 9:33 AM | Email Us
Memorial Medical Center New Hospital Project Update, 2/22/18
Thursday, February 22, 2018


    Memorial Medical Center:  Small Hospital, Big Difference, Brighter Future!  In November of 2016, Memorial Medical Center announced the building of a new $40 million facility to continue to serve the health care needs of Clark County and the surrounding area.  The new facility is expected to be completed by the spring of 2020.
    In order to keep the community informed, here’s the latest on the progress of the project:
    “They are currently finalizing the scope of the specialty care design and they are updating the final timeline of the project.  Also, now that the ordinance from the city has passed, they are applying for a building permit in the Town of Pine Valley.
    Also, MMC feels that it’s important they move efficiently on this construction project and cannot get delayed.  The professional clinical staffs, consisting of medical providers, nurses, therapists and technologists are in demand throughout the region, and the idea of working in a technologically advanced facility helps retention and recruitment of trained employees.  Timing also provides a platform for our medical center to be sustainable financially for many years to come.”
    Memorial Medical Center is also answering any question you may have like this one:
     "Q:  Why a new facility?   
    A:  Memorial Hospital Inc. was erected in 1954 by then President of the Board Herbert M. Smith and funded federally through the Hill Burton Act of 1946 to expand services to low populated communities.  Medicine at that time was delivered predominantly through inpatient care.  Patients routinely would be admitted, diagnosed and treated spanning over several days or weeks and insurance companies dictating care was non-existent.  It was common for MMC to be at capacity with its 34 hospital beds and 198 nursing home beds.  Today through advances in technology, specialty care and insurance oversight, care is delivered mostly on an outpatient basis.  In 2016, 94% of patient volume at MMC was delivered as an outpatient however the majority of our square footage is designated for hospital use.  On a daily basis, MMC experiences a shortage of clinic and procedure rooms but have empty inpatient beds.  Regulations do not allow us to utilize hospital designated space for outpatient space and the cost to remodel and meet new codes would be cost prohibited."
    "Q:  What are we building?
    A:  Our vision for MMC is to be the medical campus that caters to advanced outpatient services such as primary/specialty care, diagnostics, same-day surgery, wellness/rehabilitation and comprehensive programs such as cancer and heart.  Our inpatient bed capacity will decrease from 25 beds to 16 beds however our operating rooms will increase from 1 to 2 suites.  Many people have to drive to over 30 minutes to receive specialty outpatient services that MMC could provide with new space.  MMC is currently in conversations to partner with specialists from Marshfield and Eau Claire to deliver those service in our new building locally.  The opportunity to host additional specialists on a consistent basis with the right technology has been exciting for both MMC and the Marshfield Clinic.  In addition, the new building will improve technology for our trauma program, potentially adding a community wellness center and continue to support a new 50 bed skilled nursing facility with a short term rehabilitation program and assisted living center."
    "Q:  How are we able to build?    
    A:  Financials continue to improve, gross has increased 26% since 2013 and we average 100 new patients per month for a variety of services.  As a result, MMC has qualified for a USDA hospital replacement loan available for rural service areas, similar to the program the 1954 MMC administration took advantage of.  Our strategy as an independent organization is to deliver modern medicine you need locally by enhancing our current services and expanding our scope of services through partnerships."
    "Q:  Since MMC just renovated for an Assisted Living about 6 years ago, are they taking this with them or are they giving that up to Neillsville Care & Rehab? What benefit would they have in keeping it?
    A:  MMC is currently discussing with Grant Thayer, President of Neillsville Care and Rehab, the details of the future campus.  We anticipate a brand new assisted living center being adjacent and utilizing common services as the skilled nursing home.  As residents in assisted living often needing skilled nursing care, we anticipate Neillsville Care and Rehab operating the assisted living center”
    “Q:  Where is the new facility going to be located?
    A:  If all goes according to plan, at 3700 River Avenue.”
    "Q:  Why are we building outside on River Ave?  
    A:  MMC identified six potential sites for the new medical center.  Rankings were completed using eleven criterions-and River Ave was among the top 2 sites.  In February, MMC’s civil engineer met with the city and we identified the potential of expanding city sewer under the river, however MMC would need to cover the cost.  River Ave provides space to expand into a medical campus, has visibility/access to route 10 and even with investments of necessary permits this site is within our budget."
    "Q: Do you know what's going to happen with the old facility?
    A: Not yet. They do have some time to start to identify potential suitors for the building. They're hoping that somebody will find an interest in this to better the economy of Neillsville. They've had a few preliminary talks with a few interested parties. All very exciting; however, they've asked not to be revealed at this time as they are still seeing how feasible it is for them."
    "Q: What's going to happen to the loan acquired by MMC through the City of Neillsville?
    A: Their current debt they have to do their internal renovations is on hold. So, they currently have 80% of that loan still sitting in the bank. Part of the USDA Loan Process is they're allowed to refinance all of their current debt. So, as they successfully receive this loan, they will then pay off all their debt, including the loan that the city assisted them to receive. By first or second quarter, probably second quarter of 2017, all those debts will be forgiven."
    If you have any questions you'd like answered, feel free to submit your questions to WCCN's News Director by e-mail or contact form.  Or you may contact MMC's CEO, Ryan Neville.

    posted by Unknown at 11:30 AM | Email Us
Memorial Medical Center New Hospital Project Update, 1/3/18
Wednesday, January 03, 2018


    -Memorial Medical Center:  Small Hospital, Big Difference, Brighter Future!  Back in November of 2016, Memorial Medical Center announced they are in the process of building a new $40 million facility to continue to serve the health care needs of Clark County and the surrounding area.  The new facility is expected to be completed by the spring of 2020.
    In order to keep the community informed, here’s the latest on the progress of the project: 
    “17 months ago MMC was notified by our auditors that Memorial Medical Center (MMC) became eligible for a governmental program through the USDA called Community Facilities Direct Loan Program.  Our eligibility was based not only on our rural location but also the tremendous work our 250 employees that resulted in our first positive operating margin in 5 years.   MMC is still on track for a May 2018 groundbreaking ceremony and completion winter 2019.  As a healthcare administrator that sits on regional and national boards, Neillsville is in the minority for a small rural town to be on the hosting end of a 60 million dollar campus project (40 million MMC + 20 million Neillsville Care and Rehab) that is not tax supported.  Actually over the past several years there have been over 80 rural hospital closures nationwide.
    For the past 6 months we have been working with supportive city officials to identify steps to annex our proposed site on River Avenue.  The sewer plan for the project is one of the last steps to secure funding.  Our annexation journey has been focused on two consistent themes with common council, 1.  To protect the taxpayers of any expense now or in the future and 2.  Keep the environment safe.  At the December 22nd utility meeting MMC made a third sewer proposal that met all above requirements.  The discussion among utility/council members resulted in a request for the city attorney to inquire if MMC could access sewer without annexation.  Since then, MMC was informed by the city attorney that this can be accomplished with a passing of an ordinance.  The result of the passing of such an ordinance would keep this project in the town of Pine Valley vs. being annexed into city limits.  MMC is relying on the suggestions of the utility/council members and desire to take the best steps for all concerned.
    Any action that is recommended must be timely.  It is important that MMC move efficiently on this construction project and cannot get delayed.  The professional clinical staffs, consisting of medical providers, nurses, therapists and technologists are in demand throughout the region, and the idea of working in a technologically advanced facility helps retention and recruitment of trained employees.  Timing also provides a platform for our medical center to be sustainable financially for many years to come.”
    Memorial Medical Center is also answering any question you may have like this one:
     "Q:  Why a new facility?   
    A:  Memorial Hospital Inc. was erected in 1954 by then President of the Board Herbert M. Smith and funded federally through the Hill Burton Act of 1946 to expand services to low populated communities.  Medicine at that time was delivered predominantly through inpatient care.  Patients routinely would be admitted, diagnosed and treated spanning over several days or weeks and insurance companies dictating care was non-existent.  It was common for MMC to be at capacity with its 34 hospital beds and 198 nursing home beds.  Today through advances in technology, specialty care and insurance oversight, care is delivered mostly on an outpatient basis.  In 2016, 94% of patient volume at MMC was delivered as an outpatient however the majority of our square footage is designated for hospital use.  On a daily basis, MMC experiences a shortage of clinic and procedure rooms but have empty inpatient beds.  Regulations do not allow us to utilize hospital designated space for outpatient space and the cost to remodel and meet new codes would be cost prohibited."
    "Q:  What are we building?
    A:  Our vision for MMC is to be the medical campus that caters to advanced outpatient services such as primary/specialty care, diagnostics, same-day surgery, wellness/rehabilitation and comprehensive programs such as cancer and heart.  Our inpatient bed capacity will decrease from 25 beds to 16 beds however our operating rooms will increase from 1 to 2 suites.  Many people have to drive to over 30 minutes to receive specialty outpatient services that MMC could provide with new space.  MMC is currently in conversations to partner with specialists from Marshfield and Eau Claire to deliver those service in our new building locally.  The opportunity to host additional specialists on a consistent basis with the right technology has been exciting for both MMC and the Marshfield Clinic.  In addition, the new building will improve technology for our trauma program, potentially adding a community wellness center and continue to support a new 50 bed skilled nursing facility with a short term rehabilitation program and assisted living center."
    "Q:  How are we able to build?    
    A:  Financials continue to improve, gross has increased 26% since 2013 and we average 100 new patients per month for a variety of services.  As a result, MMC has qualified for a USDA hospital replacement loan available for rural service areas, similar to the program the 1954 MMC administration took advantage of.  Our strategy as an independent organization is to deliver modern medicine you need locally by enhancing our current services and expanding our scope of services through partnerships."
    "Q:  Since MMC just renovated for an Assisted Living about 6 years ago, are they taking this with them or are they giving that up to Neillsville Care & Rehab? What benefit would they have in keeping it?
    A:  MMC is currently discussing with Grant Thayer, President of Neillsville Care and Rehab, the details of the future campus.  We anticipate a brand new assisted living center being adjacent and utilizing common services as the skilled nursing home.  As residents in assisted living often needing skilled nursing care, we anticipate Neillsville Care and Rehab operating the assisted living center”
    “Q:  Where is the new facility going to be located?
    A:  If all goes according to plan, at 3700 River Avenue.”
    "Q:  Why are we building outside on River Ave?  
    A:  MMC identified six potential sites for the new medical center.  Rankings were completed using eleven criterions-and River Ave was among the top 2 sites.  In February, MMC’s civil engineer met with the city and we identified the potential of expanding city sewer under the river, however MMC would need to cover the cost.  River Ave provides space to expand into a medical campus, has visibility/access to route 10 and even with investments of necessary permits this site is within our budget."
    "Q: Do you know what's going to happen with the old facility?
    A: Not yet. They do have some time to start to identify potential suitors for the building. They're hoping that somebody will find an interest in this to better the economy of Neillsville. They've had a few preliminary talks with a few interested parties. All very exciting; however, they've asked not to be revealed at this time as they are still seeing how feasible it is for them."
    "Q: What's going to happen to the loan acquired by MMC through the City of Neillsville?
    A: Their current debt they have to do their internal renovations is on hold. So, they currently have 80% of that loan still sitting in the bank. Part of the USDA Loan Process is they're allowed to refinance all of their current debt. So, as they successfully receive this loan, they will then pay off all their debt, including the loan that the city assisted them to receive. By first or second quarter, probably second quarter of 2017, all those debts will be forgiven."
    If you have any questions you'd like answered, feel free to submit your questions to WCCN's News Director by e-mail or contact form.  Or you may contact MMC's CEO, Ryan Neville.

    posted by Unknown at 9:09 AM | Email Us
Memorial Medical Center New Hospital Project Update, 11/21/17
Tuesday, November 21, 2017

    -Memorial Medical Center:  Small Hospital, Big Difference, Brighter Future!  Back in November of 2016, Memorial Medical Center announced they are in the process of building a new $40 million facility to continue to serve the health care needs of Clark County and the surrounding area.  The new facility is expected to be completed by the spring of 2020.
    In order to keep the community informed, here’s the latest on the progress of the project: 
    “Memorial Medical Center is working with the City of Neillsville, the mayor, common council, city attorney and more to reach a developers agreement on the sewer line.  MMC will be building the sewer line to their new facility and, in order to eliminate the cost it would have on the city budget, they will maintain the upkeep of the line.  They are still working on the final details of the agreement.
    The interior design plans for the building have also been completed.  This plan was done with the designers, hospital staff, board members and many individuals in the community.  They had a big part in designing the new facility as it will be more than a hospital and clinic, but a place for the community.”
    Memorial Medical Center is also answering any question you may have like this one:
     "Q:  Why a new facility?   
    A:  Memorial Hospital Inc. was erected in 1954 by then President of the Board Herbert M. Smith and funded federally through the Hill Burton Act of 1946 to expand services to low populated communities.  Medicine at that time was delivered predominantly through inpatient care.  Patients routinely would be admitted, diagnosed and treated spanning over several days or weeks and insurance companies dictating care was non-existent.  It was common for MMC to be at capacity with its 34 hospital beds and 198 nursing home beds.  Today through advances in technology, specialty care and insurance oversight, care is delivered mostly on an outpatient basis.  In 2016, 94% of patient volume at MMC was delivered as an outpatient however the majority of our square footage is designated for hospital use.  On a daily basis, MMC experiences a shortage of clinic and procedure rooms but have empty inpatient beds.  Regulations do not allow us to utilize hospital designated space for outpatient space and the cost to remodel and meet new codes would be cost prohibited."
    "Q:  What are we building?
    A:  Our vision for MMC is to be the medical campus that caters to advanced outpatient services such as primary/specialty care, diagnostics, same-day surgery, wellness/rehabilitation and comprehensive programs such as cancer and heart.  Our inpatient bed capacity will decrease from 25 beds to 16 beds however our operating rooms will increase from 1 to 2 suites.  Many people have to drive to over 30 minutes to receive specialty outpatient services that MMC could provide with new space.  MMC is currently in conversations to partner with specialists from Marshfield and Eau Claire to deliver those service in our new building locally.  The opportunity to host additional specialists on a consistent basis with the right technology has been exciting for both MMC and the Marshfield Clinic.  In addition, the new building will improve technology for our trauma program, potentially adding a community wellness center and continue to support a new 50 bed skilled nursing facility with a short term rehabilitation program and assisted living center."
    "Q:  How are we able to build?    
    A:  Financials continue to improve, gross has increased 26% since 2013 and we average 100 new patients per month for a variety of services.  As a result, MMC has qualified for a USDA hospital replacement loan available for rural service areas, similar to the program the 1954 MMC administration took advantage of.  Our strategy as an independent organization is to deliver modern medicine you need locally by enhancing our current services and expanding our scope of services through partnerships."
    "Q:  Since MMC just renovated for an Assisted Living about 6 years ago, are they taking this with them or are they giving that up to Neillsville Care & Rehab? What benefit would they have in keeping it?
    A:  MMC is currently discussing with Grant Thayer, President of Neillsville Care and Rehab, the details of the future campus.  We anticipate a brand new assisted living center being adjacent and utilizing common services as the skilled nursing home.  As residents in assisted living often needing skilled nursing care, we anticipate Neillsville Care and Rehab operating the assisted living center”
    “Q:  Where is the new facility going to be located?
    A:  If all goes according to plan, at 3700 River Avenue.”
    "Q:  Why are we building outside on River Ave?  
    A:  MMC identified six potential sites for the new medical center.  Rankings were completed using eleven criterions-and River Ave was among the top 2 sites.  In February, MMC’s civil engineer met with the city and we identified the potential of expanding city sewer under the river, however MMC would need to cover the cost.  River Ave provides space to expand into a medical campus, has visibility/access to route 10 and even with investments of necessary permits this site is within our budget."
    "Q: Do you know what's going to happen with the old facility?
    A: Not yet. They do have some time to start to identify potential suitors for the building. They're hoping that somebody will find an interest in this to better the economy of Neillsville. They've had a few preliminary talks with a few interested parties. All very exciting; however, they've asked not to be revealed at this time as they are still seeing how feasible it is for them."
    "Q: What's going to happen to the loan acquired by MMC through the City of Neillsville?
    A: Their current debt they have to do their internal renovations is on hold. So, they currently have 80% of that loan still sitting in the bank. Part of the USDA Loan Process is they're allowed to refinance all of their current debt. So, as they successfully receive this loan, they will then pay off all their debt, including the loan that the city assisted them to receive. By first or second quarter, probably second quarter of 2017, all those debts will be forgiven."
    If you have any questions you'd like answered, feel free to submit your questions to WCCN's News Director by e-mail or contact form.  Or you may contact MMC's CEO, Ryan Neville.

    posted by Unknown at 10:46 AM | Email Us



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