Joint Campus to be called Marshfield Medical Center-Ladysmith
Rusk County and Marshfield Clinic Health System have completed the final steps to affiliate Rusk County Memorial Hospital with the Health System. The closing marks an important milestone for health care in Ladysmith and the surrounding area, and sets the stage for the second century of health care in the community.
“This is an exciting day,” said Jeff Euclide, chief administrative officer of the joint campus that will officially be known as Marshfield Medical Center-Ladysmith as of Sept. 1. “A lot of work has gone into exploring our options, and ultimately choosing Marshfield Clinic Health System as our partner. Thank you to the boards, leadership teams and employees of Rusk County, the hospital and Marshfield Clinic Health System for the tremendous effort that made this affiliation possible.”
“Marshfield Clinic Health System is committed to ensuring excellent care, close to home for Rusk County residents,” said Dr. Susan Turney, CEO for Marshfield Clinic Health System. “We’ve been a part of the Ladysmith community for more than 40 years, and today we deepen our commitment to the patients and families of this wonderful community.”
The Health System currently in Ladysmith has a clinic that offers walk-in care, family medicine and specialty care, a dental center and a physical therapy center.
The Rusk County Board of Supervisors in August 2017 approved a Letter of Intent, and in February 2018 approved a Definitive Agreement that established terms to affiliate Rusk County Memorial Hospital and the Clinic at Riverside with Marshfield Clinic Health System. As part of the agreement, a new hospital will be built in Rusk County.
“We have a shared vision to keep care local, and how important our critical access hospital is to our community,” said Pete Boss, former Rusk County Board Chair who championed affiliation efforts for the County.
Gordie Dukerschein, Rusk County Memorial Hospital Board President agrees the partnership is a good fit for all. “Marshfield has made significant, long-term commitments to our region – we’ve agreed to expanded outreach, retaining a local voice through a community advisory board, and the future construction of a new, modern hospital,” said Dukerschein.
Current Rusk County Board of Supervisors Chair, David Willingham is optimistic for the future. “The Rusk County Board of Supervisors is looking forward to this new chapter in the provision of quality health care to the citizens of Rusk County,” said Willingham.
No financial details regarding the affiliation are being released at this time.
