UPDATE TO BREAKING NEWS: MAYO CLINIC TO STOP DELIVERING BABIES IN OWATONNA

As a follow-up to the story we broke on Friday evening, Mayo Clinic released the following statement Saturday morning:

"Mayo Clinic Health System (MCHS) remains deeply committed to supporting patients and serving the Owatonna community. Beginning November 17, Allina Health will assume OB/GYN physician staffing responsibilities for labor and delivery services at its Owatonna Hospital.  MCHS care teams will continue working with each patient to support their needs through every stage of their pregnancy and ensure they receive safe, coordinated and high-quality care. Expectant mothers will continue to receive prenatal and postpartum care from their MCHS teams in Owatonna, and providers will work directly with each patient to review their birth plan, discuss delivery options, and ensure a smooth, coordinated experience.   

MCHS physicians have been solely providing the services through an agreement with Allina Health but are unable to continue due to recent staffing challenges and the ongoing nationwide shortage of OB/GYN physicians. MCHS continues to work with Allina Health to explore new ways to collaborate on labor and delivery services."