(St. Paul, MN) – Fairview Health Services announced organizational changes to their care system and clinic closures in Greater Minnesota on Monday, including the closure of their clinic in Pine City.  Senator Jason Rarick (R-Pine City) commented on the developments in his hometown with the following statement –

 

“Many changes to the healthcare system were necessary last spring as Minnesota’s healthcare system worked hard to manage a largely unknown threat, but they were bound to feel the burden of Covid response policies down the road. It is unfortunate to see one of Pine City’s primary care clinics shut down. This is a difficult time for all those employed at the clinic, as well as for the residents of the area that are losing a well-known and trusted place to receive excellent care. 

 

“The Executive Order to suspend elective procedures last spring lasted long enough to cripple many health providers. I received reports of hospitals laying off staff in large numbers because they could not support them by only treating Covid. This was especially true in Greater MN, where the number of hospitalized Covid patients was very low. Once again, a unilaterally-issued policy did not have our outstate areas in mind, and we are paying the price for it. 

 

“It is important to me that District 11 does not unnecessarily bear the brunt of more top-down decisions. I will continue to listen and work with providers and experts in the industry to prevent more losses and ensure that Pine City residents and all of District 11 have access to quality care in their area.”