Facility Overview
Count on the Essentia Health-Sandstone hospital for expert medical care. You’ll find caring medical professionals and modern equipment at this new nine-bed Critical Access Hospital that opened in May 2017.
Whether you need emergency care or help along the road to recovery, you can mend with confidence under our watch.
We're a Level IV Trauma Center and Acute Stroke Ready Hospital. We serve Sandstone and surrounding areas, including Hinckley, Finlayson, and Askov. You’ll find us on the Pine Healthcare Campus off the I-35 Sandstone exit.
Hospital Services
Whether you need a little help along the road to recovery or around-the-clock medical care, Sandstone hospital is here for you. Get healing support near you from a knowledgeable team of medical professionals who offer:
*Services may be provided by a visiting medical provider who sees patients here on a limited basis.
**Services may be provided here via a secure video chat with an off-site medical provider.
Learn how we make care convenient for you.
Inpatient Vs. Outpatient Hospital Services
If you have a test or procedure performed at a hospital but are not admitted, you’re an outpatient. Common outpatient procedures may include X-rays, labs, and emergency room visits. If your doctor admits you to the hospital for an overnight stay, you’re typically an inpatient.
One exception to this is if your doctor places you on observation status. In this case, you may stay overnight in the hospital but are still considered an outpatient. If you’re a Medicare patient, your status can affect your coverage. Visit Medicare.gov to learn more.
24/7 Emergency Room
If you or a loved one have a severe or life-threatening medical concern, rely on our 24-hour emergency room. Sandstone hospital has a Level IV Trauma Center designation and an Acute Stroke Ready Hospital designation. Rest easy knowing life-saving support is as close as your local hospital.
Urgent Care
Walk in to Sandstone’s urgent care for quick, attentive care. We'll see you without an appointment for minor illnesses and injuries. We’re open Saturdays and Sundays, so you can get back to better health sooner.
For severe or life-threatening conditions, call 911 and seek emergency care.
We’re located on the Pine Healthcare Campus
Essentia Health-Sandstone hospital is a part of the Pine Healthcare Campus. This medical community was formed to improve the health of rural areas by providing basic and life-saving health care close to home. You’ll also find other facilities on the grounds, including:
- Gateway Family Health Clinic
- Thrifty White Pharmacy
- Golden Horizons Senior Living and Memory Care
Compliments & Complaints
If you’d like to share a compliment, concern, or suggestion, please contact our administrator, Michael Hedrix. You can also fill out our online compliments and complaints form.
Amenities
Whether you’re a patient or a visitor, we want you to feel comfortable. Take advantage of our onsite amenities, including:
- Kettle Café Grab-n-Go
- Free Wi-Fi
- Retail pharmacy (non-Essentia facility)
- Rejuvenating seating area with fireplace
Volunteer
Volunteer at Our Hospital
Volunteers at Sandstone make patients feel welcome and offer a helping hand. Volunteer to help our patients find their way on our campus and hand out information. With each four-hour shift, volunteers also receive a voucher for $6.50 to the Kettle Café.
To sign up to volunteer or learn more, call 320-245-5600.
Pine County Healthcare Auxiliary
Enrich the lives of patients at Essentia Health-Sandstone by giving your time. The Pine County Healthcare Auxiliary raises money for hospital items that may not be possible to buy without extra support. Members of the Auxiliary help with events, blood drives, and bake sales.
Patient Partners
Your perspective makes all the difference. Patients from all walks of life, from all across the region, are sharing their stories and ideas for better care. You can too. See how we’re listening to people like you, and making healthy changes. As a patient partner, you'll:
- Attend monthly meetings and provide input to Essentia Health leadership, doctors, and providers.
- Work alongside Essentia Health patients, family members, and designated staff to strengthen communication and collaboration between Essentia Health and the community.
- Serve a two-year term, renewable up to six years.
To learn more, email PatientPartners@EssentiaHealth.org or call 218-786-4420.
Leadership
Meet the leaders of the Essentia Health-Sandstone hospital.
Management
- Michael Hedrix, Administrator
- Heather O'Brien, Nursing Director
- Dr. Erika Miles, Physician
- Scott Nigon, Finance Senior Manager
Board of Directors
- Bruce Pogatchnik
- Tim Schmutzer
- Ron Osladil
- Mary Thorvig
- Ty Erickson
- Wayne Oak
- Dr. Erika Miles (Essentia Health)
History
Get a glimpse of our past on our history timeline. You can also view our history wall during your next visit.
History Timeline
1956 | The 27-bed Pine County Memorial Hospital, owned by the county, is dedicated.
1962 | A 46-bed nursing home is built.
1977 | The facilities are renamed Sandstone Area Hospital and Nursing Home.
1984 | A new nursing-home wing is built, connected to the hospital. The emergency room, intensive-care unit, nursery, and birthing room are refurbished.
1989 | The hospital is renamed North Pine Area Hospital.
1997 | The SMDC Health System in Duluth takes over operations.
2004 | Essentia Health is formed as the governance body for SMDC and Benedictine health systems.
2006 | Pine Medical Center celebrates 50 years of service.
2009 | The hospital earns a Level IV Trauma Center designation from the Minnesota Department of Health’s Statewide Trauma System.
2010 | Essentia fully integrates its health systems to create efficiencies and reduce health care costs. Pine Medical Center is renamed Essentia Health-Sandstone.
2017 | Essentia Health works with the Northern Pine Area Hospital District to open a new critical access hospital and emergency room—Essentia Health-Sandstone.
