Introducing Mayo Clinic Health System

Friday, May 20, 2011

ROCHESTER, Minn. — Mayo Health System is changing its name. Effective Monday, May 23, Mayo Health System and its regional locations will become Mayo Clinic Health System. Mayo Clinic Health System is the group of Upper Midwest regional hospitals and clinics that Mayo Clinic owns outside of Rochester.

"Mayo Clinic Health System has evolved over time, and today our sites work together more closely with each other and Mayo Clinic than ever before," says Rob Nesse, M.D., chief executive officer, Mayo Clinic Health System. "We operate as one system and work together to provide our patients with the care they need, where they need it — whether that's in their hometown, a neighboring community or in Rochester. Our new name reflects that."

Mayo Clinic Health System started in 1992 with the acquisition of Decorah Clinic in Decorah, Iowa. Growth continued through the next 15 years to include more than 70 communities.

"Mayo Clinic Health System staff work with their Mayo Clinic colleagues to improve local health care by sharing resources and expertise, developing common patient care and safety practices, and collaborating with other locations to improve care regionally," says Mark Koch, chief administrative officer, Mayo Clinic Health System.

"For our patients this is the best of both worlds," says Dr. Nesse. "Patients will continue their long-term relationship with trusted providers, understanding the knowledge and expertise of Mayo Clinic supports them. At the same time they'll have the ability to tap into Mayo Clinic during times of greatest medical need."

The name change is part of a broader effort to bring even more of Mayo Clinic to patients locally and meet patient needs as close to home as possible. Working as a system, Mayo Clinic Health System locations can provide coordinated and comprehensive care throughout a patient's lifetime.

"Medical knowledge doubles every four to eight years," says Dr. Nesse. "Being part of Mayo Clinic means our providers are connected to one of the world's most knowledgeable health care organizations. Utilizing this collective expertise, we're able to deliver the best possible care close to home."

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About Mayo Clinic

Mayo Clinic is a nonprofit worldwide leader in medical care, research and education for people from all walks of life. For more information, visit MayoClinic.com or MayoClinic.org/news.

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