Concerns not accurately addressed

To the editor:

I was able to attend the public health meeting Monday night about the changes at Mayo Health Systems/Fairmont. I had the opportunity to raise a concern about the increased risks that surround the delivery of babies when the mother must travel to deliver her baby. The obvious example is the closure of local services, forcing moms to drive to Mankato to deliver their baby.

I was able to share a research reference with the panel that proved this increased risk, but one of the doctors on the panel discounted this thought by saying the study I referenced only referred to mothers who had to travel throughout their pregnancy. This was misleading and not accurate. The study I did reference noted increased risk of unplanned C-section, stillbirth, and other complications when the travel time exceeded 30 minutes. Further digging shows that multiple studies have confirmed this deeply concerning finding. This should raise deep concerns for anyone who is being asked to drive that far to have their baby delivered.

Dr. Scott Burtis, M.S., D.C., C.F.M.P., D.A.C.B.N.

Fairmont