ThedaCare and Neuroscience Group: Celebrate topping out ceremony

APPLETON, Wis. – ThedaCare and Neuroscience Group, along with project partners, Miron Construction, HGA and Hplex Solutions, are pleased to celebrate the topping out ceremony for the new Orthopedic, Spine and Pain Center. This milestone marks the next phase of construction. The final beam of the structure is signed by team members, community leaders and partners in the project, and is then lifted into place with a crane. The moment is a recognition of ThedaCare and Neuroscience Group’s commitment to providing specialized orthopedic, spine and pain care through the new Center.

“The new Orthopedic, Spine and Pain Center will enhance access to specialized experts, where care teams understand each person’s unique medical background, lifestyle and personal goals, getting patients back to living their best life, sooner,” said Imran Andrabi, MD, President and CEO of ThedaCare. “We’re proud to celebrate this milestone, moving toward the completion of the project where teams will continue to provide outstanding, individualized care.”

The Orthopedic, Spine and Pain Center will include a medical office building, specialty surgery center, and orthopedic and spine hospital, as well as support services for total patient care. A highlight of the Center is the ThedaCare orthopedic and spine hospital, which will consist of operating suites designed for and dedicated to orthopedic and spine surgery, 25 inpatient beds, and support services such as imaging, lab, pharmacy and dining.

The 230,000 sq. ft. Center, which is conveniently located at ThedaCare Health Campus – Encircle in Appleton, Wis., is expected to open in summer 2022. Crews broke ground in August 2020. Despite some bitterly cold and snowy days since the groundbreaking, crews installed the exterior walls and concrete floor slabs of the hospital. As the exterior continues to take shape, the team recently completed the final design for the interior of the building, such as room placement and floor and wall finishes.

This project and the design were led by providers and nursing, along with ancillary and support staff.

“When designing the Center, we were focused on the well-being and convenience of patients and their families in a comfortable, soothing environment with high-end amenities,” said David Corso, Vice President of Orthopedic, Spine and Pain Center. “It brings together specialty care teams and services – at a single destination, with the vision of minimizing patient recovery times and ultimately improving the lives of those living in Northeast and Central Wisconsin.”

Another feature of the Center includes a simulation apartment allowing patients and their families to complete therapy to prepare for life post-discharge. Patients can practice what it will be like to use a kitchen or restroom after surgery and rehabilitation, ensuring they feel comfortable when returning home. Other amenities include private recovery rooms and a restaurant.

“The goal is to make exceptional care effortless for patients and families by understanding individual needs,” said Dr. Randall Johnson, Neurosurgeon at Neuroscience Group and Spine Surgery Medical Director at ThedaCare. “The design plan was intentional, ensuring patient care will be comprehensive and coordinated through evaluation, diagnostics, surgery, rehabilitation and pain management.”

During this project milestone, ThedaCare and Neuroscience Group would like to recognize construction partners – Miron Construction, HGA and Hplex Solutions. The teams have worked diligently to provide guidance and support, while creating a space that will allow health teams to provide the best care for patients and families.

Population Health and Preparing for the Future

ThedaCare and partners continue to prepare and respond to the needs of the community, keeping our patients and families safe and healthy, now and always. Demand for orthopedic and spine services is increasing as Wisconsinites are aging and becoming more active. According to Wisconsin Dept. of Administration, all 17 counties ThedaCare serves will see an 8-17% increase in those age 55 and older through 2040. As people live more active lives, sports-related injuries are increasing. Sports medicine grew 26% in the last five years nationally, while spine medicine grew 24%.

“We must be ready to offer the right care, in the right place for people who will need us in the next 5, 10 and 20 years from now,” said Dr. Andrabi. “The work we do now impacts the future health of our communities for generations to come.”

This collaboration comes as ThedaCare is on a transformational journey to Population Health, going above and beyond treating a particular condition — making care easy and accessible, to help achieve better health for life.

“By enhancing that coordinated care, we can live our mission of improving the health and well-being of the communities, creating peace of mind for all we serve,” said Dr. Andrabi. “In order to create healthier communities, we have to become an organization that proactively knows our patients, anticipates health wants and needs, prevents issues from arising and creates value – which is what we are aiming to do at the future Orthopedic, Spine and Pain Center.”

To learn more about the Orthopedic, Spine and Pain Center, visit ThedaCareOSP.org.