Some Aspirus clinics in the region are temporarily closing primary care clinics in the area to support additional staffing needs and resources at its hospitals in the event of a surge of coronavirus patients.
Among the temporary closings are the clinics in Hurley, Three Lakes, Wittenberg, Birnamwood, Prentice, Rib Lake and Crystal Falls, Michigan among others.
An official says the closings will be in effect until further notice.
Matt Brewer, Vice President of Operations and Chief Nursing Officer of Aspirus Medical Group says some physicians, advanced practice clinicians, nurses and other staff from these locations will be re-deployed to other Aspirus clinic locations. Others will support needs at the various Aspirus hospitals throughout the region.
Brewer says patients will continue to have access to primary and specialty care services at Aspirus’ remaining clinics.“The decision to close locations, even on a temporary basis, is not an easy one but it is necessary in order to continue providing access to primary and specialty care in the safest way possible for our staff and patients. Closing these locations allows us to use staff and resources where they are needed most and ensure our hospitals are staffed appropriately to care for our communities during a possible surge in COVID-19 activity.”
He say Aspirus will work with patients to utilize technology whenever possible to offer visits via telephone or video conferencing.
Patients will be contacted by their doctor’s office if these closures impact existing appointments. Brewer says contact your local Aspirus Clinic for more information.
If you think you’ve been exposed to COVID-19 or are experiencing a fever, cough, or shortness of breath, you are encouraged to call the Aspirus COVID-19 Hotline at 1-844-568-0701.
