Portage Medical Center, also known as Ascension Portage, is a hospital located in Hancock, Michigan, serving the western part of the Upper Peninsula. As a critical access hospital, it provides essential medical services to the local community, including emergency care, surgical services, and outpatient clinics. With a strong focus on patient-centered care, Portage Medical Center strives to deliver high-quality, compassionate healthcare to its patients.
History and Development

Portage Medical Center has a rich history dating back to 1896, when it was first established as a small hospital in Hancock. Over the years, the hospital has undergone significant expansions and renovations to meet the growing healthcare needs of the community. In 1996, the hospital became part of the Ascension Health system, one of the largest non-profit health systems in the United States. This affiliation has enabled Portage Medical Center to leverage resources, expertise, and best practices from across the Ascension network, enhancing its ability to provide high-quality care to patients.
Services and Specialties
Portage Medical Center offers a range of medical services, including emergency care, surgical services, and outpatient clinics. The hospital’s emergency department is staffed by board-certified emergency medicine physicians and provides 24⁄7 care for patients with urgent medical needs. The surgical services department offers a variety of procedures, from general surgery to specialty surgeries such as orthopedics and urology. Additionally, the hospital’s outpatient clinics provide convenient access to specialized care, including cardiology, nephrology, and oncology.
| Service | Description |
|---|---|
| Emergency Care | 24/7 emergency department with board-certified physicians |
| Surgical Services | General surgery, orthopedics, urology, and other specialty surgeries |
| Outpatient Clinics | Cardiology, nephrology, oncology, and other specialized care |

Key Points
- Portage Medical Center is a critical access hospital serving the western part of the Upper Peninsula in Michigan
- The hospital offers a range of medical services, including emergency care, surgical services, and outpatient clinics
- Portage Medical Center is part of the Ascension Health system, one of the largest non-profit health systems in the United States
- The hospital's emergency department is staffed by board-certified emergency medicine physicians and provides 24/7 care
- Portage Medical Center's affiliation with Ascension Health enables it to leverage resources, expertise, and best practices from across the network
Quality and Patient Safety

Portage Medical Center is committed to providing high-quality, patient-centered care. The hospital has implemented various initiatives to improve patient safety and satisfaction, including evidence-based practices, patient engagement strategies, and staff education programs. Additionally, Portage Medical Center participates in national quality improvement initiatives, such as the Hospital Quality Improvement Program, to ensure that its care meets the highest standards.
Community Involvement
Portage Medical Center is actively involved in the local community, providing health education programs, screenings, and other outreach services. The hospital partners with local organizations, such as the Western Upper Peninsula Health Department, to promote healthy lifestyles and prevent chronic diseases. Furthermore, Portage Medical Center offers financial assistance programs to help patients with limited financial resources access necessary medical care.
| Community Program | Description |
|---|---|
| Health Education | Workshops, classes, and screenings on various health topics |
| Partnerships | Collaborations with local organizations to promote healthy lifestyles and prevent chronic diseases |
| Financial Assistance | Programs to help patients with limited financial resources access necessary medical care |
What types of medical services are offered at Portage Medical Center?
+Portage Medical Center offers a range of medical services, including emergency care, surgical services, and outpatient clinics. The hospital’s emergency department is staffed by board-certified emergency medicine physicians and provides 24⁄7 care. The surgical services department offers a variety of procedures, from general surgery to specialty surgeries such as orthopedics and urology.
Is Portage Medical Center part of a larger health system?
+Yes, Portage Medical Center is part of the Ascension Health system, one of the largest non-profit health systems in the United States. This affiliation enables the hospital to leverage resources, expertise, and best practices from across the Ascension network, enhancing its ability to provide high-quality care to patients.
What community programs and services are offered by Portage Medical Center?
+Portage Medical Center offers various community programs and services, including health education workshops, screenings, and partnerships with local organizations to promote healthy lifestyles and prevent chronic diseases. The hospital also provides financial assistance programs to help patients with limited financial resources access necessary medical care.