Chippewa Valley Healthcare providers have increased their services weeks after the closure of all HSHS and Prevea facilities in the region.

Organizations like Marshfield Medical Center and Oakleaf Medical Network have announced new services being offered in the area as the providers scramble to cover gaps in care left by the departure of HSHS and Prevea.

This week, Marshfield Medical Center announced it will create more space in daily schedules to allow for same-day appointments for patients. According to a press release, in addition to providing more accessible care for their patients the main goal is to reduce the stress placed on emergency departments in the area.

First responders in the Chippewa Valley have reported increased demand and longer response times for emergencies in recent weeks, as $15 million in emergency funding remains stuck in the state legislature’s Joint Finance Committee.

NorthLakes Community Clinic has also announced the opening of their second clinic in the area. The West Clairemont Avenue clinic will focus on behavioral health and recovery counseling and they plan to add primary medical and outpatient recovery services in June.

OakLeaf Medical Network also announced the opening of Oncology Services at its Eau Claire Clinic. In a press release, the organization noted that they were able to keep the former Prevea oncology team in the area to ensure Chippewa Valley residents have minimal disruption to their regular surveillance care.

Additionally, in recent weeks Mayo Clinic Health System announced a partnership with the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire. That partnership will integrate the health provider with the university with five floors of research, instruction and office space in the school’s soon to be constructed science and health sciences building.

As the Chippewa Valley adjusts to the loss of numerous clinics and two hospitals, the expansion of other healthcare providers in the area will be an invaluable resource to a community that is still awaiting a long-term solution to the healthcare crisis.