Ascension Wisconsin Announces Significant Service Changes, Closing Hospital and Units
Ascension Wisconsin revealed on Thursday plans to close its micro-hospital in Waukesha and consolidate birthing services, mental health units, and cardiac catheterization labs across the region. The closure of the micro-hospital, which opened in early 2021, will take effect by January 13, 2025, and represents part of broader trends in healthcare adjustments seen statewide.
The consolidation will centralize all inpatient behavioral health services at St. Francis Hospital in Milwaukee, resulting in the closure of mental health units at All Saints Hospital in Racine and Columbia St. Mary’s Hospital-Ozaukee. Birthing services from Columbia St. Mary’s-Ozaukee and Elmbrook Hospital will shift to St. Joseph Hospital and Columbia St. Mary’s-Milwaukee.
Ascension spokesperson Mo Moorman emphasized that these changes aim to better serve community needs by concentrating services at facilities equipped for high-demand care. However, experts note that such decisions often stem from financial pressures, staffing shortages, and evolving healthcare requirements. Kim Litwack from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee noted that these transitions could challenge access for patients as care moves away from local communities.
Connie Smith, president of the Wisconsin Federation of Nurses and Health Professionals, expressed concerns about the impacts of these closures, mentioning that the cardiac catheterization lab closure at St. Francis will affect four employees.
In contrast to the service cuts, Ascension announced a $10 million investment in St. Francis Hospital aimed at expanding its inpatient behavioral health center to 60 beds, which will provide comprehensive mental health care services.
This restructuring aligns with healthcare industry trends focused on efficiency amid rising operational costs, but it poses significant implications for patient care accessibility in southeast Wisconsin.
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