Essentia Health's commitment to Fosston

June 06, 2024 By: Louie St. George

From the Fargo Forum — October 2024

Letter: The future of health care in Fosston

Dr. Stefanie Gefroh writes about arbitration between the city of Fosston and Essentia Health.

Essentia Health welcomes two new Fosston providers

Dr. Amanda Jackson-Morgan, who specializes in family medicine, is excited to join the Essentia Health-Fosston Clinic.

"I wanted to practice at Essentia Health-Fosston so I could continue to practice full-spectrum rural family medicine," explained Dr. Jackson-Morgan. "I enjoy working in all aspects of patient care — clinic, hospital and OB. The welcoming and supportive community was also an important factor in choosing to come to Fosston."

Community health impact survey seeks input from Fosston area

Every three years, Essentia Health and all nonprofit health systems in Minnesota conduct Community Health Needs Assessments (CHNA) in collaboration with the communities we serve.

Through the Community Health Needs Assessment process, we work together with community partners to pursue shared goals that will make a meaningful impact and a healthy difference beyond the walls of our hospitals and clinics. That process is about to begin in Fosston and the surrounding area.

We invite the public to participate in the Fosston area community health survey now through Oct. 31. It is available online in both English and Spanish at Fosston Community Health Needs Assessment Survey.

Arbitration panel rules in favor of Essentia Health — September 2024

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.

SEE MORE INSIGHTS

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

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.

READ THE FULL LETTER

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.

READ THE FULL LETTER

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.

READ THE FULL EDITORIAL

A focus on specialty services in Fosston

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