News Release
Nov. 10, 2026
Public hearing set for Nov. 24 on closure of inpatient labor and delivery services at Sanford Luverne Medical Center
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, Nov. 24 at 6 p.m. on Sanford Luverne Medical Center’s closure of its inpatient labor and delivery services, as well as inpatient newborn care, and relocating them to other locations.
According to the filed submission, Sanford Luverne Medical Center will be ceasing inpatient labor and delivery services and inpatient newborn care as of April 28, 2027, and relocating these services to Sanford Worthington Medical Center in Worthington, Minn., and Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls, S.D.
The hearing, which will include both an in-person and virtual option to provide a forum for the community to discuss the change in services, will be hosted by MDH’s Health Regulation Division in the Blue Mound meeting room at Sanford Luverne Medical Center, 1600 N. Kniss Ave., Luverne, MN 56156.
Participants interested in joining the public hearing virtually may do so via the Microsoft Teams event: Sanford Luverne Medical Center public hearing or by calling 651-395-7448 and using the access code 260 620 80#.
More information about the hearing, including accessibility accommodations and a form for submitting public comment, can be found on the Sanford Luverne Medical Center Public Hearing webpage of the MDH website.
In June 2021, Governor Tim Walz signed legislation passed by the Minnesota Legislature (Minnesota Statutes 144.555) requiring a public notice and a public hearing before closure of a hospital or hospital campus, relocation of services or cessation in offering certain services. Since that legislation was enacted, MDH public hearings for change-in-service requests have provided opportunities for voices from communities most impacted to be heard.
-MDH-
Media inquiries:
Garry Bowman
MDH Communications
651-529-5164
Garry.Bowman@state.mn.us