Madelia Health, founded in 1918 and designated a critical access hospital in 2001, has been named one of the “Top 20 Critical Access Hospitals in the U.S. for Patient Perspective” by the National Rural Health Association. It is the only Minnesota critical access hospital recognized in that category, based on HCAHPS performance data compiled by the Chartis Center for Rural Health. The hospital offers 24/7 emergency care, full laboratory, radiology including mobile MRI, CT, ultrasound and 3D mammography, physical therapy, surgical care, wound care and outpatient clinics across multiple locations. In 2024, Madelia Health opened a dedicated behavioral health department providing evaluations, therapy, medication management and early-childhood support, a service identified as a top-three priority in its Community Health Needs Assessment. The hospital received the Minnesota Hospital Association “Exceptional Minnesota Hospital Workplace” award and was named a Star Tribune “Top Workplace” in both 2024 and 2025 based on employee survey data. The hospital also received a $50,000 Minnesota Department of Health workplace safety grant in fiscal year 2025. The hospital recently expanded its geographic reach with a new primary care clinic in New Ulm, Minn., and in January 2026 assumed emergency medical services for the city of Lake Crystal, Minn., broadening its regional footprint. Madelia Health also engaged Wold Architects & Engineers to develop a 10-year master facility plan to guide growth and service expansion for the region.
