Essentia Health-Fosston breaks ground on new emergency department

Essentia Health leaders, staff and project partners gathered Wednesday, April 8, to break ground on a new emergency department at Essentia Health-Fosston, marking the start of construction on a $12 million project that will improve the patient experience and strengthen care for the Fosston community.

"As a critical access hospital serving a rural region, Essentia Health-Fosston plays an essential role in providing timely, high-quality care close to home," said Dr. Stefanie Gefroh, Essentia Health West Market president. "This new emergency department will help us better meet the needs of patients and families in Fosston and the surrounding area. We are proud to continue investing in this community and the people who depend on us every day."

The new emergency department will add more than 5,500 square feet and will be more user-friendly, fostering a confidential and safe environment for patients, staff and visitors. It will feature rooms specially designed for patients needing behavioral health care and also will include a new ambulance bay. This project represents a significant investment in the Essentia Health-Fosston campus. Project leaders from Kraus-Anderson as well as students from Fosston High School joined Essentia Health to celebrate the milestone.

"This is an exciting day for our hospital and for Fosston," said Mike Curtis, Essentia Health-Fosston administrator. "Our team cares for patients around the clock, and this project will give them a larger, more efficient space designed to support excellent care. We’re grateful for all the work that has brought us to this point and look forward to seeing this project come to life."

A Level IV Trauma Hospital, Essentia Health-Fosston offers emergency care 24/7, as well as walk-in care six days a week and same-day access for primary care. The hospital provides more than 20 specialty services that are closely aligned to match the needs of the local community. In recognition of this work, Essentia Health-Fosston was recently named a 2026 Top 100 Critical Access Hospital by the Chartis Center for Rural Health.

"Kraus-Anderson is proud to partner with Essentia Health on the Fosston Emergency Department expansion, a project centered on improving patient care, supporting staff, and strengthening access to critical services in the region," said Tracy Pogue, Kraus-Anderson director of business development. "Our team is committed to engaging regional trades while delivering this work with thoughtful planning, clear communication, and a focus on maintaining uninterrupted hospital operations throughout construction."

Construction is expected to be completed by summer 2027.