OWATONNA, Minn. — In a further constriction of outlying services, Mayo Clinic is ending birthing services at the Owatonna Hospital. The hospital is owned by the Allina Health chain but relied on Mayo for physicians for labor and deliveries. The hospital averages more than one birth a day. There are other hospitals within 50 miles of Owatonna, including the Mayo mothership in Rochester. Mayo confirmed that pregnancy and postpartum care will continue available at its own Owatonna outpatient clinic. The Rochester Post Bulletin, which broke news about the changing medical landscape in Owatonna, quoted Allina about:
> A nationwide shortage of physicians in obstetrics and gynecology.
> Declining birth rates.
> Doubts about “reimbursement in rural communities,” an apparent reference to Trump funding cuts for healthcare.
Mayo earlier dropped labor and delivery services in Albert Lea, population 18,000 and 35 miles away, and Fairmont, population 10,000 and 90 miles away. Owatonna population: 26,000.
Earlier: Mayo to eliminate six rural clinics