Springfield, MN (KROC AM News) - The Mayo Clinic Health System has announced plans to close facilities in two small southwest Minnesota towns.

The decision will affect the clinics in Springfield and Lamberton and the hospital and ER in Springfield.

Mayo says there were only nine inpatients and 28 overnight observation patients admitted to the hospital this year and the ER has been treating only three to four patients per day.

Mayo says its facilities have faced strong competition in the sparsely populated area as there are seven other hospitals within a 38-mile radius of its Springfield site. Mayo says most patients who need specialty and hospital care have been going to other nearby and larger towns.

The scheduled March 1st closures will affect 60 workers.

Here's the entire message.

Enter your number to get our free mobile app

More From KDHL Radio