Mayo Clinic in Waukon scheduled to close in December

WAUKON, IA. — Mayo Clinic Health System will discontinue services and operations at its Waukon, Iowa, location, effective Dec. 14.

“This decision was not made lightly, and reflects the changing landscape and challenges facing rural health care nationwide,” says Eric Erickson, vice chair, Administration, Southwest Wisconsin Region, Mayo Clinic Health System. “We have been actively recruiting physicians to this practice for many years. Attracting physicians to rural clinics has become increasingly difficult as more physicians seek employment opportunities that offer greater work-life balance. For most, that means choosing positions that do not require being on call a majority of the time, as is common in rural practices.”

Affected staff members have been informed of this decision. Employees are being met with individually to learn more about their options with regard to potential job opportunities and other support.

Mayo Clinic Health System will work with Waukon patients over the coming weeks to ensure a smooth transition of care. “It is our hope that our patients will choose to continue to receive their care at another Mayo Clinic Health System location,” says Erickson. “We have a unique partnership with Winneshiek Medical Center in Decorah, where Mayo Clinic Health System physicians also provide care. We are working with Winneshiek Medical Center to explore options for care for patients who may wish to transfer. Additionally, Mayo Clinic Health System in Caledonia and Prairie du Chien will also be an option for care for our patients.” Additional digital and on-line resources are in development to assist rural patients.

Mayo Clinic Health System has been a part of the Waukon community for many years, and is working with community leaders on this transition. “We are working with Veterans Memorial Hospital in Waukon on this change and to exploring potential future care options,” says Erickson. “We wish to thank our dedicated staff for their many years of care that they have provided to our patients in the Waukon area. We also want to thank the patients who have entrusted us with their care. We will continue to work with them to ensure they experience a smooth transition.”