A few patient parking spaces will be removed beginning Tuesday at Mayo Clinic Health System in Austin.

The removal of these spaces will accommodate preparations for construction of a new addition on the north side of the hospital. The new addition will include a two-story, glass-enclosed corridor with waiting areas that will connect the main entrance to the new expanded Medical/Surgical unit and future Family Birth Center.

In addition to parking changes, areas around the north and east of the hospital building will be roped off. For everyone’s safety, use caution if driving around the hospital, especially near the east side and Emergency Department entrance. Also, limit driving near the Emergency Department to ensure all ambulances can enter and exit quickly.

Mayo Clinic Health System in Albert Lea and Austin began transitioning select services from Albert Lea to Austin two years ago to continue providing high-quality care despite challenges, such as shortages of providers and nursing staff across certain types of care. As part of this transition, Mayo Clinic Health System in Austin announced in August 2018 that it will expand its Medical-Surgical unit with enhanced amenities, and offer the latest equipment and technology.

“As part of this process, the medical center is transitioning all inpatient medical care, which includes overnight hospitalizations, to the Austin campus, starting the week of June 24,” said Mark Ciota, M.D., CEO, Mayo Clinic Health System in Albert Lea and Austin. “Consolidating select services on one campus will allow us to use our limited staffing resources to keep our units fully staffed, offer the best technologies and equipment, and provide patients with the best possible care locally. We are very excited about the additional space, which will provide enhanced accommodations in a more welcoming, healing environment for our patients and visitors.”