Allina Health Newsroom

This is where we share helpful health information, news about our hospitals and clinics and media reports featuring Allina Health team members as subject matter experts. You can also access our latest news releases and media contacts.

Recent news

See articles and videos featuring our patients and care team members, plus watch how Allina Health experts add context to health stories in local news reports.

Allina Health surgeons to scrub in for cases in state-of-the-art operating rooms

[Allina Health Newsroom, April 02, 2026] As the Allina Health Abbott Northwestern Hospital campus expansion nears completion, surgeons are getting a look at the operating rooms they helped design and will soon use to care for patients. 

“There has been surgeon involvement in decisions across the entire process,” said Jolene Singh, MD, OR medical director at Abbott Northwestern Hospital. “They’ve had input into everything from the floors to the walls to the way that the lights are mounted to the type of lights that we've purchased.”

When it opens in late August, the Richard M. Schulze Surgical and Critical Care Center will include 30 state-of-the-art surgical suites. The new space will give patients access to some of the most advanced surgical technologies available.

“They're unlike anything you're going to find anywhere else,” Dr. Singh said. “The safety, the technology that we have, the integration — it’s unparalleled.”

Features will include:

  • Spacious operating rooms that support larger, more integrated surgical teams.
  • Advanced robotic technology that allows for safer, more precise surgeries.
  • Uniform room layouts, which will streamline scheduling.
  • Specialized surfaces, designed to reduce infection risks.
  • Improved air filtration for greater patient and surgical team comfort and safety.
  • Video and livestream capabilities for consultations and education

The operating rooms are scheduled to open to patients in late August at the Richard M. Schulze Surgical and Critical Care Center at Abbott Northwestern Hospital. 

 

woman getting 3D mammogram

What type of mammogram do you need?

[KARE11 News, August 14, 2025] As a breast cancer survivor and a breast surgical oncologist with Allina Health Cancer Institute, Karen Hendershott, MD, understands all too well the fears that can arise when it comes to mammograms. She’s sharing her expertise to encourage as many people as possible to overcome their fear and get a mammogram.
August 14, 2025
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From ice cream truck owner to RN: Allina Health nurse shares principle behind her journey

[KARE 11 News, August 14, 2025] Breanna Seibel was just a teen when she purchased her own ice cream truck to start a business. One principle stuck with her during that time, and it has guided her through her journey as a nurse.
August 14, 2025
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Successful Start to the 2025 USA Wheelchair Softball World Series

[Fox 9 News, August 14, 2025] Allina Health Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute is hosting the 2025 USA Wheelchair Softball World Series. The three-day tournament brings intense competition and increased awareness about adaptive sports.
August 14, 2025
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Newsweek names Cambridge Medical Center one of the 'smartest' hospitals

[County News Review, August 10, 2025] Allina Health Cambridge Medical Center made Newsweek's list of World’s Best Smart Hospitals 2025. Cambridge Medical Center is one of 350 hospitals from 28 countries recognized for their work to implement new medical technologies.
August 10, 2025
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2025 Wheelchair Softball World Series begins August 14

[KMSP Fox 9 News, August 10, 2025]
August 10, 2025
Dr Mosey Bennett

Meet Dr. Bennett, a heart failure cardiologist with Allina Health Minneapolis Heart Institute

[Allina Health Newsroom, August 08, 2025] Dr. Mosi Bennett, a specialist in transplant cardiology, is renowned for his expertise in treating patients with advanced heart failure.
August 08, 2025
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Careers with Purpose: Meet an Allina Health certified registered nurse anesthetist

[Allina Health Newsroom, August 07, 2025] Jeff Leech is a certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA) with Allina Health Abbott Northwestern Hospital, where he works in collaboration with anesthesiologists to ensure the safety and comfort of patients during medical procedures.
August 07, 2025
female extending right arm to hold handle of mammogram machine

3D or 2D: Which mammogram is right for you?

[WCCO-TV News, August 05, 2025] An Allina Health surgical oncologist explains the difference between 2D and 3D mammograms, and what that difference means for a patient’s care.
August 05, 2025
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The truth about broken heart syndrome

[Fox 9 News, August 05, 2025] Is broken heart syndrome a real thing? Scott Sharkey, MD, a cardiologist with Allina Health Minneapolis Heart Institute, says it is. He explains what research revealed about the condition.
August 05, 2025
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Low-dose radiation offers relief for patients with joint and tendon pain

[Allina Health Newsroom, August 05, 2025] Amy Lemieux, 54, was one of the first patients in the Twin Cities area to receive low-dose radiation therapy at Allina Health Cancer Institute. The quick, non-invasive treatment significantly reduces pain caused by inflammation in the joints, tendons and other parts of the musculoskeletal system.
August 05, 2025

News releases

When we’re making news, you can find details here. Read on to learn about the innovative ways we deliver expert care for people in Minnesota and western Wisconsin and celebrate inspiring milestones.

Allina Health Buffalo Hospital exterior surgery entrance.

Allina Health Buffalo Hospital expands its robotic surgical systems, bringing greater precision to many surgeries

Now patients can benefit from physicians trained on the da Vinci Xi system without having to travel to metro hospitals.
February 23, 2026
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New Ulm Medical Center names Carisa Buegler as new president

Allina Health is pleased to share that Carisa Buegler has been named the new president of New Ulm Medical Center.
February 12, 2026
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Media contacts

Our media team is staffed by former reporters and producers. Reach out for help connecting to subject matter experts for your time-sensitive questions.

Jennifer Steingas
Public Relations Manager
jennifer.steingas@allina.com
Voice/Text: 612-388-1895

Erika Rasmussen
Senior Communications Consultant
erika.rasmussen@allina.com
Voice/text: 708-214-8464