VIROQUA, Wis. — Residents and visitors to the Vernon Health main campus are advised to expect increased noise activity starting this week, as construction progresses on the facility’s major Building Expansion and MRI Suite Project.
The increased noise is due to a crucial phase of the expansion beginning this week: detaching the existing building from the main hospital structure. Vernon Health anticipates this portion of the work will take approximately one week to complete. The healthcare organization apologized for any inconvenience and asked for patience as they continue to improve facilities.
The detachment marks a new milestone in the ambitious project, which aims to strengthen Vernon Health’s role as a cornerstone of rural healthcare by bringing advanced diagnostic imaging and enhanced patient spaces to the region. The project, which officially broke ground on Nov. 5, 2025, is designed to ensure local communities have access to advanced care close to home.
A central feature of the expansion is the creation of a new in-house Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) suite, which will occupy 1,240 square feet. Currently, Vernon Memorial Healthcare (VMH) utilizes a rented MRI truck available only two days per week, leading to delays in diagnosis and care. The new, permanent suite will allow for faster diagnoses and quicker results, which is vital during emergencies.
Vernon Health CEO David Hartberg emphasized that the expansion is about bringing new technology and services to the community. State Senator Brad Pfaff, who helped approve the funding, noted that having the necessary technology available right on site in Viroqua is crucial when every minute counts during emergencies.
The total expansion includes the MRI suite and a 3,532 square foot main shell space, along with an additional 4,481 square feet on the lower level. This initiative is supported in part by a $2 million award received from the Non-State Infrastructure Grant Program.
Construction, handled by partner Market & Johnson, began in the Winter 2025/2026 timeline. The overall project is anticipated to be completed in Fall/Winter 2026, when patient care in the new facilities is scheduled to begin.
The expansion is also expected to benefit the local economy by partnering with local contractors, helping to grow jobs and reinforcing Vernon Health’s role as a leading employer in the region.
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