For Hub City Times

MARSHFIELD — Marshfield Clinic Health System (MCHS) announced on Jan. 25 that it had submitted an application to build a hospital in Minocqua attached to its current clinic and ambulatory surgery center. The new 72,000-square-foot facility would offer a full complement of services.

“Meeting the health care needs of the community is our No. 1 priority, and we’ve always believed that the Minocqua community would benefit from a truly integrated local health care system,” said Dr. Susan Turney, MCHS CEO.

Turney added MCHS has had a growing presence in the Northwoods for nearly three decades and that almost 60 physicians provide care in Minocqua.

Building a facility with advanced computer technology, state-of-the-art equipment, and better communications tools will deliver improved health care in the Northwoods, according to Dr. Narayana Murali, Marshfield Clinic’s chief clinical strategy officer.

“So much of health care — from record-keeping to surgery scheduling to patient monitoring — is now based on digital technology. MCHS, through its Marshfield Clinic Information Services, already has award-winning technology in place. Combining our world-class physicians and staff with the seamless, full integration of combined electronic medical records between our hospitals and clinics results in higher quality, better outcomes, and a more positive experience for patients,” Murali said.

The new hospital will be staffed by the Marshfield Clinic doctors, nurses, and other associates that already work in the area.

MCHS will work closely with the city of Minocqua and Oneida County to approve the application. The town of Minocqua Plan Commission will initially review the MCHS application Jan. 31.