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. 

 

male doctor listens to adult male patient’s heart using a stethoscope

Prioritize your heart health year round

[WCCO-TV News, March 10, 2025] Steven Bradley, MD, an Allina Health Minneapolis Heart Institute cardiologist, explains what heart disease is and why most people don't realize they have it.
March 10, 2025
diet to reduce colon cancer risk

Diet and cancer: Allina Health dietitian explains the connection

[WCCO-TV News, March 10, 2025] When it comes to cancer, Allina Health dietitian Heidi Ganzer, RDN, LD, says diet plays an important role.
March 10, 2025
platelet rich plasma therapy to heal an injury

Tips to prevent injuries as you begin spring activities

[KMSP Fox 9 News, March 10, 2025] Warmer temperatures have moved in, and sports lovers across the region are ready to participate in outdoor activities. An Allina Health sports medicine physician with Allina Health Orthopedics shared tips to decrease chances of injury.
March 10, 2025
man sleeping

Daylight saving: Do we need it?

[WCCO-TV News, March 07, 2025] Allina Health pulmonologist and sleep specialist Andrew Stiehm, MD spoke to WCCO-TV about Daylight Saving and its impact.
March 07, 2025
rangerResize

Tag along for a certified therapy dog's visit to Mercy Hospital

[WCCO-TV, March 07, 2025] In honor of Ranger's milestone of more than 500 hospital visits, WCCO-TV joined him as he made his rounds at Mercy Hospital.
March 07, 2025
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Community honors 104-year-old veteran from Cottage Grove

[WCCO News, March 06, 2025] A 104-year-old veteran from Cottage Grove is honored for his service during World War II
March 06, 2025
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Cambridge man celebrates a decade of life following emergency care

[County News Review, March 05, 2025] Feb. 2, 2015: The day that Jerry Jensen’s life almost ended and was forever changed.
March 05, 2025
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Understanding how pneumonia impacts the body

[WCCO Radio, March 04, 2025] An Allina Health pulmonologist helps explain what pneumonia is and how it impacts the body, as the Pope recovers from the illness.
March 04, 2025
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Local teen finds confidence and enthusiasm for patient care at Mercy Hospital

[Allina Health Newsroom, March 04, 2025] Eldijana says there’s strong support for young people from supervisors and other volunteers who have longer histories with Mercy Hospital.
March 04, 2025
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Allina Health paramedic helps with highway birth of baby boy

[WCCO-TV News, February 28, 2025] A Zimmerman couple thanks Allina Health EMT and two other first responders who helped them safely deliver their baby on the side of a highway.
February 28, 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
240x180Carisa 720 x 540 px

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