Allina asserts that the transfer of the 10-bed unit across the river will not result in an overall reduction in mental health services.
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) is set to conduct a significant virtual public hearing this month
Addressing the planned relocation of adolescent mental health beds from United Hospital in St. Paul to Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis by Allina Health. However, skepticism surrounds this claim, notably expressed by the Minnesota Nurses Association. In response, the association organized an informational street picketing in late October, raising concerns not only about the relocation but also about other proposed changes.
It’s worth noting that Allina reassures the public that in-patient adult mental health services will persist at United Hospital despite the proposed changes
To facilitate public engagement and adherence to legislative requirements, the Minnesota Department of Health‘s Health Regulation Division will host the virtual hearing on December 21 at 6 p.m. The event, titled “Allina Health United Hospital Relocation of Services Public Hearing,” will be accessible online via Microsoft Teams.
This hearing is a direct response to legislation approved by the state Legislature in June 2021, mandating public notice and a public hearing before the closure of a hospital or hospital campus, or any relocation of services or cessation in offering specific services. The Minnesota Department of Health’s role in overseeing and facilitating such proceedings underscores its commitment to transparent decision-making in the interest of public health. As the date approaches, stakeholders and concerned citizens are encouraged to actively participate, ensuring that their voices contribute to the discussion surrounding these critical healthcare changes in the region.
Leave a Reply