Essentia Health-Fosston, a critical access hospital in Fosston, Minnesota, has finalised a $12m investment for the expansion of its emergency department to improve patient care.
The expansion includes a new emergency care facility spanning 6,700ft2, significantly larger than the current 1,100ft2 space, enhancing patient flow, confidentiality, and overall efficiency.
The project also includes a new ambulance bay and specialised rooms for behavioural health care, a new registration desk and essential equipment.
The investment is pending approval from the Essentia Health Board of Directors.
With design work expected to begin soon, the expansion project is anticipated to be completed by early spring 2027.
Essentia Health operations senior vice president Tanner Goodrich said: “The project would mark another substantial commitment to our patients and the broader Fosston community.
“Our team is dedicated to delivering exceptional care and serving the community. This investment will help us continue advancing those goals.”
Essentia Health-Fosston, a 25-bed critical access hospital, offers personalised care for residents in Fosston and nearby areas.
The hospital is attached to the Essentia Health-Fosston Clinic and is adjacent to the Essentia Health Living Center and Prairie Pines Community.
It provides 24-hour emergency care and serves the Bagley, Mahnomen, and Oklee communities.
Last month, the Minnesota Department of Health designated Essentia Health-Moose Lake as a Level IV Trauma Hospital.
To obtain this designation, the staff voluntarily engaged in a rigorous process to join Minnesota’s statewide trauma system. This process involved an external review of the hospital’s resources and its ability to care for trauma patients.
