Chippewa Valley Health Cooperative Opens Cancer Center

CHIPPEWA FALLS, Wis. (WCFW) – The Chippewa Valley Health Cooperative opened its new cancer center at the former HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital site in Chippewa Falls this week.

According to a press release, the newly renamed Chippewa Valley Cooperative Hospital began seeing patients last month and began medical oncology treatments on Monday. The opening of the new cancer center represents a significant step in addressing the loss of healthcare access following the HSHS and Prevea closures, especially for Chippewa Falls residents who lost their only hospital in the city.

Since the closures, area residents have faced significant travel times for specialty care. If they suffer a medical emergency currently, the closest place for them to receive emergency care is about 30 minutes away in Eau Claire. The reduction in access has also placed additional strain on EMS providers in the area, leading to longer response times.

The organization purchased the St. Joseph’s Hospital site over the summer, and plan to use it as a bridge until their new community-owned hospital opens in Lake Hallie. Aspirus Health also started construction on a new hospital in Chippewa Falls earlier this year.

The new cancer center offers a variety of services already, including medical oncology and infusion therapy, specialty oncology pharmacy, and patient navigation and survivorship programs. Officials also plan to launch radiation therapy services in 2026.

In addition to the cancer center services, the Chippewa Valley Cooperative Hospital also plans to get other healthcare services up and running again over the next year. Officials say the site will soon offer full hospital services, including inpatient care, emergency and surgical services, and labor and delivery services.