(ABC 6 News) — ABC 6 News has acquired an internal Mayo Clinic letter sent to employees that states there will no longer be in-person, overnight respiratory therapists at three locations.
The locations where these programs will be ending are Albert Lea, Fairmont, and Lake City.
According to Mayo Clinic, a respiratory therapist is a licensed healthcare professional who specializes in diagnosing, treating, and managing patients with breathing or cardiopulmonary disorders. Respiratory therapists help manage patients with conditions like asthma, COPD, and pneumonia, often using ventilators and aerosol medications.
The letter states that beginning August 26, overnight respiratory care will be provided by Emergency Department, inpatient providers, and nursing staff trained to care for routine respiratory needs.
These teams will then be supported by Mayo Clinic virtual respiratory therapy service through video and phone consultation.
The letter states that the model has been in place in Cannon Falls for several years, and since these locations have similar patient needs, Mayo Clinic anticipates success.
But ABC 6 has spoken with anonymous sources confirmed to be working within Mayo Clinic Health Systems, who have expressed serious concerns over the ending of the program.
“The need for advanced respiratory care overnight in Albert Lea, Fairmont and Lake City has varied by site but has been low – ranging from zero to approximately ten patients per month — making this a thoughtful alignment with patient needs,” the letter said.
This new mode of care will be in place from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. on a daily basis.
“Maintaining safe, high-quality care for our patients is our highest priority as we transition to this model. Over the next several months, we will work closely with the ED and inpatient providers and nursing staff to ensure they are supported as we approach the August 26, 2026 effective date,” the letter said.
Mayo Clinic released a statement in response to this letter:
Mayo Clinic Health System (MCHS) remains committed to providing safe, high-quality care and meeting the needs of patients and the communities it serves. 24/7 respiratory care continues to be available. What’s changing before September is the way respiratory therapists support MCHS hospital and emergency medicine care teams. Respiratory therapists remain available in-person during the busiest times. Overnight support will continue through real-time video connections for routine, complex and/or emergent situations. This includes advanced airway management and ventilator support when needed. The need for in-person respiratory care during nights has been low in several communities. This change ensures continued high-quality patient care while also addressing ongoing workforce shortages.
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