Essentia Health plans groundbreaking for new emergency department in Fosston, MN as legal battle continues

FOSSTON, Minn. (KVRR) — Essentia Health has planned a groundbreaking next Wednesday for a new emergency department in Fosston, Minnesota.

The $12 million project will add more than 5,500 square feet of space.

Essentia says it marks another significant investment in its campus and the Fosston community.

The city and Essentia Health have battled for years over claims that services at the hospital have declined.

They are now waiting to hear the court’s decision after a hearing March 23 to decide if another round of arbitration is needed.

Last November, Fosston once again tried to terminate its agreement with Essentia Health for services at First Care Medical Services.

In a statement at the time, city leaders said they had filed a motion in Polk County District Court to compel Essentia Health to arbitrate, after they were unsuccessful in resolving the dispute by more informal means.

In September 2024, an arbitration panel ruled in favor of Essentia in a dispute over its closure of labor and delivery services in 2022.