GRAND MARAIS, MN, December 6, 2023 — During the open session of a special meeting yesterday, the North Shore Health (NSH) Board of Directors and administration engaged in further discussions of the NSH strategic plan. Within that plan, they explored the topic of engaging third party consultants for a broad review of facility practices. Several community members sat in on the open session before the board moved on to a closed session.

The discussion to pursue a broad review is partly in response to critical demand from members of the community about the NSH administration and culture, but is also needed for the wider scope of long term strategic planning. The review may include, but is not limited to: evaluating operations, administration activities, financials, medical staff structure, human resources, governance, facility culture, technological platforms and long-term survivability.

The board tasked NSH CEO Kimber Wraalstad and the management team to compile and report a list of scope, options, recommendations, costs, prioritization/sequencing, and timelines of potential partners for review and discussion at a meeting to be scheduled in January. Based on the breadth of areas to review, more than one consultant will likely be required.

Firms being considered to provide an analysis are independent and nationally recognized as resources for rural health. Board Clerk Mary Sanders has reached out to one potential partner who offered to perform an organizational/cultural review. “Who will be our best fit?” said Randy Wiitala, Board Treasurer. The Board has heard comments from the public requesting to engage St. Luke’s but it is important to receive objective analyses from independent third party firms. 

To help mitigate the expense of these reviews, grant opportunities will be explored. Regarding timelines, some felt that some of the reviews could be completed within four to six months.

NSH will announce updates after the January meeting, when firms have been selected and parameters of the review(s) have been established and voted upon.

Other aspects of the strategic plan discussion included: Biggest barriers for the health and viability of the organization, long-term vision, and future-proofing our services. This is a pivotal time in health care regarding technology and survivability.

The board discussed that while the cultural and administrative components of the review are parts of the strategic plan, they need to be the initial focus. “We need a thorough investigation before we make any decisions about our CEO,” said Sanders. “Facts are hard to find among this sea of opinions,” said Board member Steve Frykman.

NSH Board Chair Kay Olson mentioned that they have all received phone calls, emails and in-person inquiries with concerns from the community. Board member Patty Winchell Dahl suggested setting a meeting in January devoted to addressing cultural and administrative concerns – one that is thoughtful and well-informed, based on objective facts, not subjective opinions. The Board agreed and an announcement will be made when the meeting date has been set.

About North Shore Health:

North Shore Health is a rural health facility located on the beautiful north shore of Lake Superior in Grand Marais, MN. The organization, which is part of the Cook County Hospital District includes a 16-bed critical access hospital, a 37-bed skilled nursing facility, a home health agency, an ambulance service and a variety of diagnostic and therapeutic services. Their mission is “Community Access to Compassionate Care”.

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Contact: Todd Ford, Public Information Coordinator, 218-387-3508, or [email protected]