Mayo Clinic Announces Closure of Six Locations in Southern Minnesota
Mayo Clinic has announced plans to close six of its medical sites located in southern Minnesota by the end of this year. The affected clinics, situated in Belle Plaine, Caledonia, Montgomery, Northridge, St. Peter, and Wells, will cease operations by December 10, 2025. The healthcare provider stated the decision stems from ongoing difficulties in delivering efficient healthcare services in rural areas, including staffing shortages and a reduced patient base.
In addition to the closures, Mayo Clinic will be transferring certain elective procedures currently offered at the Albert Lea campus to other facilities in Austin and Waseca. Specialties impacted by this transition include ophthalmology, orthopedics, podiatry, endoscopy, and gynecology.
Statement from Mayo Clinic
Karthik Ghosh, vice president of the Mayo Clinic Health System in Minnesota, commented on the closures by emphasizing the necessity of adapting to the current healthcare landscape. “These decisions reflect the realities of delivering high-quality care in smaller communities today,” Ghosh stated. “They allow us to strengthen access to high-quality, coordinated care—while also expanding flexible care options, like Primary Care On Demand, to meet patients where they are and how they prefer to receive care.”
With these changes, patients will be informed about their options concerning ongoing care. They can either continue treatment with their current healthcare providers at alternate locations or choose a different Mayo Clinic provider at a site of their preference.
Implications for Local Communities
The decisions regarding these site closures have raised concerns among residents relying on these clinics for essential medical services. Local leaders and community members are contemplating the impact this will have on healthcare accessibility, particularly for individuals in more isolated areas who may find it challenging to travel to larger facilities in neighboring cities.
As Mayo Clinic navigates these changes, it aims to balance operational efficiency with the commitment to patient-centered care. The health system’s strategy includes enhancing telehealth services and other flexible care models to better cater to the needs of their patients.
Table of Affected Mayo Clinic Sites
Clinic Location | Closure Date | Procedure Relocation |
---|---|---|
Belle Plaine | December 10, 2025 | Austin, Waseca |
Caledonia | December 10, 2025 | Austin, Waseca |
Montgomery | December 10, 2025 | Austin, Waseca |
Northridge | December 10, 2025 | Austin, Waseca |
St. Peter | December 10, 2025 | Austin, Waseca |
Wells | December 10, 2025 | Austin, Waseca |
The Mayo Clinic’s ongoing commitment to healthcare innovation aims to ensure that the communities in southern Minnesota will continue to receive high-quality care despite these significant changes. Residents are encouraged to stay informed about further developments and available services through official Mayo Clinic communications.