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. 

 

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Healthy sleep habits that can help you feel your best

[WCCO-TV News, March 08, 2026] Allina Health pulmonologist and sleep medicine physician Andrew Stiehm, MD, appeared on WCCO-TV to discuss healthy sleep habits, the benefits and drawbacks of napping, and how to prepare for daylight saving time transitions.
March 08, 2026
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Courage Kenny athletes shine as 2026 winter Paralympics begin

[KARE 11 News, March 05, 2026] As the 2026 Winter Paralympics inspire interest in adaptive sports, KARE 11 visits Allina Health Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute to highlight programs that develop Paralympians.
March 05, 2026
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Supporting caregivers: Allina Health Cancer Institute partners with The Negative Space

[KARE11 News, March 02, 2026] The Allina Health Cancer Institute and The Negative Space are working together to make caregiver resources easier to access. The Negative Space’s founder shares why supporting caregivers is essential.
March 02, 2026
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Pregnancy and heart health: What women need to know

[WCCO-TV News, February 25, 2026] An expert from The Mother Baby Center explains why heart health matters during pregnancy and how the care team supports expectant mothers and their cardiovascular health.
February 25, 2026
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Martha's journey: Collaboration drives complex spine reconstruction

[Allina Health Newsroom, February 24, 2026] At Allina Health Brain and Spine Institute, collaboration and expert surgical care helped Martha Christian navigate a complex spine reconstruction with courage and trust.
February 24, 2026
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Heart and neuroscience collaborate for groundbreaking procedure

[Allina Health Newsroom, February 19, 2026] A multidisciplinary team at Allina Health Mercy Hospital used a WEB embolization device typically used on cerebral aneurysms to treat a coronary aneurysm.
February 19, 2026
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Heart-healthy eating tips from an Allina Health cardiologist

[WCCO-TV, February 16, 2026] Learn heart‑healthy eating tips from Ian Hackett, MD, of the Allina Health Minneapolis Heart Institute, who shared simple ways to add nutritious foods to your diet during an interview on WCCO-TV.
February 16, 2026
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Stroke survivor’s triathlon comeback highlights Allina Health’s care and the importance of stroke awareness

[WCCO-TV, February 16, 2026] Stroke survivor and triathlete Kate Varns completes a remarkable comeback with support from Allina Health, helping raise awareness about stroke signs and the importance of getting care quickly.
February 16, 2026
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Allina Health medical oncologist talks cancer risks and prevention

[WCCO Radio, February 15, 2026] Dr. Joleen Hubbard of Allina Health explains the link between alcohol use and cancer risk and discusses rising colorectal cancer rates on WCCO Radio.
February 15, 2026
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Courage Kenny athletes shine at National wheelchair basketball regional qualifier

[KSTP-TV News, February 14, 2026] Courage Kenny wheelchair basketball teams earned top finishes, player awards, and academic honors during the National Wheelchair Basketball Association regional qualifier.
February 14, 2026

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.

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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