Leaders from the Rochester, Minn.-based Mayo Clinic Health System spoke about the ongoing transition of services between its Albert Lea, Minn., and Austin, Minn., campuses during a presentation to county commissioners Sept. 4, according to the Albert Lea Tribune.
Sumit Bhagra, medical director of Mayo Clinic Health System in Albert Lea and Austin, and Kristin Johnson, associate administrator for Mayo Clinic Health System in Albert Lea and Austin, presented an update on the transition of services and answered commissioners' questions during the 45-minute presentation.
Commissioners raised several concerns about how the transition in services would affect patients and the communities at large. In particular, commissioners asked about the consolidation of the birth unit to the Austin campus, how patients without transportation will receive assistance when traveling to the Austin campus for inpatient care, and the cost of overnight stays in observation beds at the Albert Lea campus.
Before the meeting, Dr. Bhagra noted the health system has faced several challenges in recruiting providers and has sought to fight these issues by offering sign-on bonuses, "excellent" salaries and benefits, and relocation assistance, the report states. He said Mayo Clinic Health System has hired 22 new providers this year, with most of them providing service in Austin, Albert Lea or at both facilities.
"Looking ahead, I see Albert Lea/Austin as providing complementary services to the entire region," Dr. Bhagra said, according to the report.
Dr. Bhagra and Ms. Johnson left the meeting before the public forum session, during which commissioners fielded residents' questions about the transition.
To access the full report, click here.