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Medical Care

State lawmakers focus on healthcare amid hospital closures

2024-12-02

In Eau Claire, Wisconsin, it has been nearly a year since HSHS made the difficult decision to close two hospitals and over a dozen clinics in the region. This announcement came as a shock to many, and since then, efforts to address the closure have been ongoing. In early January, state lawmakers will reconvene in Madison to begin their next legislative session. The message they carry is one of hope. State Sen. Jeff Smith from Brunswick emphasizes, "The message I give everyone is a message of hope." This session holds the promise of moving forward in addressing the healthcare shutdown in the Chippewa Valley. As he stated, "This year I decided to just zero in and focus on our healthcare situation here, including nursing educators."

Progress and Challenges in the Past Year

Over the past year, lawmakers dedicated their attention to $15 million designated for emergency departments in the Chippewa Valley. However, there was a lack of agreement between state Republicans and Democrats on how to utilize this funding, resulting in a stalemate. Local hospital staff recognized the potential value of this money. Dr. Brandon Parkhurst, the Vice President of Medical Affairs for Marshfield Medical System – West Market, explained, "We would be able to expand by an additional three to four [emergency department] rooms. We would expand by an additional three rooms, an observation unit if you will." Dr. Richard Helmers, the Regional Vice President of Mayo Clinic Health System – Wisconsin, also emphasized the need for expansion. He said, "We’ll need to expand our campus as we go forward so certainly that capital money helps. I think it’s important for people to realize certainly $15 million is a lot of money but $15 million isn’t enough to really cover all the changes."

Looking Ahead in the New Legislative Session

As a new legislative session approaches, state lawmakers are determined to make more progress. State Senator Jesse James from Altoona sent a statement expressing, "Ever since the closure of Sacred Heart and St. Joseph’s Hospitals, we have worked with community leaders and other healthcare systems to try and fill the service gaps in our area. I plan on continuing those partnerships into the next legislative session." Sen. Smith further added, "That $15 million is still there. It’s already approved. It’s not going anywhere. But, I’d like to see if we can add something on so that we have a cushion for future closures. It’s not just about Eau Claire and the Chippewa Valley anymore, it’s about the whole state of Wisconsin."Inauguration for the new legislative session is set for January 6. With a new budget to approve, lawmakers are expected to be actively engaged in finding the most effective ways to utilize these funds and support the state. The healthcare situation in Western Wisconsin remains a top priority, and the upcoming session holds the potential for significant changes and improvements.

English

Progress and Challenges in the Past Year

Looking Ahead in the New Legislative Session