Aspirus Health on Sunday assumed ownership from Ascension Wisconsin of seven hospitals, 21 clinics and air and ground medical transport services in north and and central Wisconsin.

Included are St. Mary’s Hospital in Rhinelander, Sacred Heart Hospital in Tomahawk, Eagle River Hospital and Howard Young Medical Center in Woodruff. Additionally, 2,700 staff are part of move.

The names of the hospitals and clinics will remain the same, but signage on site will indicate they have joined Aspirus Health. It is expected that by the end of the year all signs and materials will reflect the new Aspirus facility names.

The announcement was made in January that the Ascension facilities would be acquired by Aspirus. According to a press release, “Aspirus is excited about the future, patients and the community should not experience immediate changes. Aspirus plans to engage its new team members and key local stakeholders to learn about each community’s culture and health needs. Over time, Aspirus will invest resources and expertise.”

Transitioning Ascension patients are encouraged to direct any questions or suggestions to their care provider, which will not change as a result of this acquisition. For information about individual medical records, appointments or other issues, a robust help site is available at www.aspirus.org.