By Joe Bachman

Aspirus Riverview opened up new wings to their hospital — wings with a lot of heart.

The Aspirus Heart & Vascular grand opening celebration took place Wednesday afternoon with a large turnout. Riverview has expanded its cardiovascular services with new additions to the hospital. On hand was Aspirus CEO Todd Birch, new addition to the hospital Dr. Robert Martin, and Mayor Zach Vruwink.

“This is bringing world class care to Wisconsin Rapids,” said Birch. “The cardiovascular program in [Aspirus] Wausau was recently recognized in the top 50 in the country, and one time that would be great — but this is their tenth year in a row. It’s a great service to be able to bring to the greater Wisconsin Rapids area.”

Dr. Robert Martin was introduced as the new cardiologist for the center. Martin was born in Wisconsin, but moved to Arizona at an early age. He went to medical school there, but recently moved back with his family to central Wisconsin to join Aspirus. Martin was welcomed to the Aspirus community by Mayor Zach Vruwink.

“This is an exciting step for Aspirus and their investment here in Wisconsin Rapids, and we certainly welcome that,” said Vruwink. “We know this is just the beginning —  they have lofty aspirations for healthcare an the well-being of our residents.”

A future new emergency department and family birth place are just some of the coming renovations and additions to the hospital in coming years.

“We believe Wisconsin Rapids is already a fantastic community, but when you make investments such as this, it makes it even more of an attractive place.”