Marshfield Clinic's request for a conditional use permit to build a 12-bed skilled nursing facility adjacent to its Minocqua facilities is going to the county for consideration.
The Minocqua town board voted unanimously this week to recommend to Oneida County Planning and Development committee that it approve Marshfield's application.
About two dozen Howard Young Medical Center employees and administrators showed up to open Marshfield's plans, saying it threatens the financial well being of the hospital. Vice-President of patient care at Howard Young, Deb Karow, said it would draw patients recovering from surgery and other care away from the hospital.
Dr. Matthew Thomas of Marshfield Clinic replied, saying Marshfield needs to keep pace with an ever-changing field of medical care and the recovery center would lower costs by providing that care in the area. He says patients would receive care for several days if needed.
The county will set a public hearing on the matter. Marshfield wants to have the 17,000-square-foot building completed by January at the latest.
