Superior and Aspirus partner for home health and hospice services
Innovative affiliation will strengthen the health care landscape
HANCOCK, MI. – The landscape for home health and hospice care is changing and improving, according to information presented today by local and regional health leaders.
Representatives from Superior Home Health and Hospice, currently a division of Western U.P. Health Department, and Aspirus health system held a press conference this afternoon at the offices of Western U.P. Health Department in Hancock, where they described an innovative business deal that will ensure the viability of vital health care for years to come:
On October 17, 2009, Superior Home Health and Hospice will become Aspirus Superior Home Health and Hospice.
Through an innovative collaboration between government and private entities, Superior will transition from operating as a service of the Western Upper Peninsula Health Department to standing alone as an independent company. Superior Home Health employs 60 workers and serves 200 clients in five counties, from offices in Hancock, L’Anse, Ontonagon and Bessemer. Aspirus is an integrated health system based in Wausau, Wisconsin.
“This is an exciting day for everyone involved in this initiative,” said Guy St. Germain, Health Officer/Administrator for Western U.P. Health Department. “For 70 years, this health department has provided vital care to people through our Superior Home Health division. We believe this partnership will ensure that we continue to provide outstanding local care for many years.”
Superior Home Health and Hospice will provide uninterrupted care to its patients throughout the transition, and Superior plans to retain all of its employees.
“Aspirus is dedicated to providing a full range of health care services in the Western Upper Peninsula,” said Jean Burgener, Vice President of Aspirus Extended Services. “Joining with Superior to offer excellent, compassionate home health and hospice is a wonderful opportunity.”
Although Aspirus is a relatively new name in Upper Michigan, it has established a strong presence through Aspirus Ontonagon Hospital in Ontonagon, Aspirus Keweenaw Hospital in Laurium, several local physician clinics and, most recently, Aspirus Keweenaw Home Health and Hospice in Calumet.
Chuck Nelson, CEO of Aspirus Keweenaw Hospital, confirmed the significance of the new affiliation. “This innovative alignment gives Aspirus a five county presence from the Keweenaw to Wisconsin, and strengthens the ability of Aspirus Superior to serve the home health needs of the Western Upper Peninsula,” Nelson said.
Aspirus Superior Home Health and Hospice will offer a rare combination of experience and success. Superior has developed a strong workforce and broad range of services. Aspirus VNA Home Health was founded in 1947, and was named among the 2008 HomeCare Elite. Both organizations’ dedication to excellence and compassion makes the partnership a good fit.
“Together, we will be able to elevate the quality and efficiency of care provided at all locations,” St. Germain said. “There is so much talent, experience and dedication involved in this partnership, I believe our patients and staff will benefit tremendously.”
About Superior Home Health and Hospice
Superior Home Health and Hospice is a division of Western Upper Peninsula Health Department, the public health agency for Baraga, Gogebic, Houghton, Keweenaw and Ontonagon counties. Home care has been a part of the health department since 1936, making Superior Home Health and Hospice the longest running home health provider in the region. The agency is fully accredited and provides Medicare-certified skilled nursing and hospice care, a full range of therapy services, medical social services, specialized medical services such as wound care and infusion therapy, hospice services, and a variety of community outreach activities including blood pressure screening, foot care clinics and bereavement programs.
About Aspirus
Aspirus is a community-guided health system providing leading heart, cancer, women’s, and spine and neurological care. With about 4,100 employees, Aspirus serves north central Wisconsin and the Western Upper Peninsula of Michigan through Aspirus Wausau Hospital; 40 primary and specialty clinics; an affiliated hospital and physician network; regional home health and hospice services, and long term/nursing care. Aspirus Wausau Hospital recently was named to the HealthGrades’ “America’s 50 Best Hospitals” list for 2009. It was the only hospital in Wisconsin, Minnesota or Iowa to earn the recognition.