By HFT Staff

Marshfield Clinic Health System announced it is opening urgent care services at Marshfield Clinic Lake Hallie Center in the coming months to help address the expected influx of patients seeking emergent and urgent care services in the Chippewa Valley. 

Lake Hallie Center’s location makes it a natural first step in expanding urgent care access in the region. Urgent care is available for injuries and illnesses, like minor cuts that need stitches or ear infections, that are not life threatening but need care fast. Additionally, urgent care locations will see people when traveling, especially in tourist areas, because their primary care provider is not available.

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Recruitment is underway to staff the new urgent care at Lake Hallie Center, and the Health System is finalizing a timeline and additional resources needed to operate the department. 

Marshfield Clinic Health System also has worked to expand same day access across all its clinics in western Wisconsin. This includes primary care locations in Eau Claire, but also reaches communities such as Ladysmith, Rice Lake, Chippewa Falls, Menomonie and Cornell. Same day primary care appointments are a more cost-effective option for patients who may not need emergency services, but feel they need to be seen quickly. 

Leaders continue to meet with healthcare, municipal and elected officials to discuss the future health needs of the community and how these services can be provided in a way that is financially sustainable.