Rochester, Minn.-based Mayo Clinic Health System will end its on-call labor and delivery physician services at Allina Health’s Owatonna (Minn.) Hospital on Nov. 17, MPR News reported Oct. 20.
Under a joint operating agreement, Mayo operates the Owatonna Clinic while Minneapolis-based Allina Health operates Owatonna Hospital. Allina said it was notified of the change Sept. 9 and will assume responsibility for on-call labor and delivery coverage. The system currently employs labor and delivery nurses in Owatonna but not physicians.
Allina said it is in active talks with Mayo Clinic to develop a sustainable long-term model for local birth services. In the short term, patients in labor may be diverted to other hospitals.
“The safety of our patients and care team members is Allina Health’s priority,” a spokesperson for the system told MPR News. “Recognizing the widely understood and significant challenges of physician recruitment, declining birth rates and reimbursement in rural communities, we have accelerated our planning and are assessing all options.”
Mayo Clinic attributed the decision to staffing challenges and the nationwide OB-GYN shortage. The system will continue providing prenatal and postpartum care and said care teams will work with each patient to revise birth plans and coordinate delivery at alternate sites in the region.
“Mayo Clinic Health System remains deeply committed to supporting patients and serving the Owatonna community,” a spokesperson told the publication. “MCHS care teams will continue working with each patient to support their needs through every stage of their pregnancy and ensure they receive safe, coordinated and high-quality care.”
