OLIVIA — A public hearing for the relocation of labor and delivery services from Olivia Hospital in Olivia, part of Health Partners, is scheduled for 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 1.
During the hearing, the Minnesota Department of Health’s Health Regulation Division will provide a forum for the greater Olivia community to discuss the relocation of labor and delivery services from Olivia Hospital in Olivia to a shared regional model including Hutchinson Health Birth Center, with more locations planned, beginning May 9.
According to the announcement, obstetrics and pediatric care will continue to be provided by obstetrics/gynecology and family physicians at Olivia Hospital and Clinics as well as regional clinics including Hutchinson Health, also part of Health Partners.
Participants can join the public hearing by calling 651-395-7448 and using the access code 132 350 151. Questions or comments may also be submitted at a Minnesota Department of Health web page at health.state.mn.us/about/org/hrd/hearing/olivia.html. The web page also has instructions for joining the public hearing via Microsoft Teams video meeting software.
In June 2021, the Minnesota Legislature passed legislation requiring a public notice and a public hearing before closure of a hospital or hospital campus, relocation of services, or cessation in offering certain services.
