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Essentia Health's commitment to Fosston
June 07, 2024 By: Louie St. George
Arbitration panel rules in favor of Essentia Health
An arbitration panel has ruled in favor of Essentia Health in its dispute with the City of Fosston.
The neutral panel of arbitrators has shared its decision, affirming our position that we have operated the Fosston hospital within the requirements of the affiliation agreement we signed with the City in 2009. The arbitration hearing occurred in the middle of July.
This ruling means that Essentia will continue to operate the hospital, clinic, assisted-living and long-term care facilities in Fosston, as well as clinics in Bagley and Oklee.
"Now that the arbitration process is over, Essentia is focused on the opportunity to engage our patients, colleagues and the community in building a shared vision for the future of health care in Fosston," said Dr. Stefanie Gefroh, interim president of Essentia Health's West Market. "We look forward to working with city leaders in support of that objective and for the patients we're honored to serve."
This dispute has brought new awareness to the many challenges faced by rural health care providers. As leaders in rural health care, Essentia is committed to ensuring patients have high-quality, compassionate care as close to home as possible.
Statement from Essentia Health
Here is a statement from Essentia Health on Friday, July 19, regarding misinformation being shared by the City of Fosston and Mayor Jim Offerdahl:
"It is unfortunate that the mayor continues to provide misinformation to the public. Essentia Health will remain in Fosston and operate the hospital if we are successful in arbitration. This announcement by the City of Fosston is premature, as there has been no ruling by the arbitration panel. The panel will collect information through Friday (July 19), after which it has 60 days to issue a ruling. Essentia will respectfully await the panel's decision.
Essentia's commitment to Fosston is unwavering. Our valued professionals continue to provide expert and compassionate care for the patients in this community we are honored to serve."
Community discussion insights — spring/summer 2024
Essentia Health would like to stay in Fosston and is working in good faith through the arbitration process that begins with the city in July.
Every day, Essentia Health-Fosston serves people with diverse health care needs. As we discuss the future of care locally, Essentia believes all voices deserve to be heard and respected.
From the Fargo Forum — July 2024
Letter: Essentia Health wants to stay in the Fosston community
The future of health care in Fosston is in the hands of a three-judge arbitration panel that will hear testimony this month from Essentia Health and the city of Fosston.
READ THE FULL LETTER TO THE EDITOR HERE
A letter to our community — June 2024
Every day, Essentia Health-Fosston serves people with many health care needs. As the future of care in Fosston is discussed, we’re engaging the community to ensure all voices are heard, understood and valued.
Essentia would like to stay in Fosston and continue providing high-quality care for the community. We understand the dispute with the City of Fosston raises many questions and concerns. Essentia is working through arbitration, which will occur in early July.
A letter to our community — April 2024
Since 2009, Essentia Health has been the main provider of health care in Fosston and the surrounding area. Because of our deep roots here, we want to share our thoughts and hear from you about the future of care in this community.
First and foremost, Essentia does not want to leave Fosston. Caring for our community is Essentia’s top priority. We will continue to provide the high-quality health care our patients expect and deserve, even now during the city’s desire to enter into arbitration and take back First Care Medical Services as owned and operated by Essentia Health, which includes the hospital, nursing home and clinics in Fosston, Bagley and Oklee.
From the Minneapolis Star Tribune — February 2024
Counterpoint: Why Essentia is adjusting baby delivery services in northwestern Minnesota
The discontinuation or relocation of hospital services has made headlines across the state. Those conversations are often accompanied by assertions that finances are the only factor driving these decisions.
A focus on specialty services in Fosston
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