Emergency Care
The emergency room is open 24 hours a day and staffed by registered nurses specially trained in emergency care. A physician is always on call or available on site to provide care and treatment.

Surgery
Our new, state-of-the-art operating suite accommodates a full range of general surgical procedures. Surgery services are provided on-site in Melrose by surgeon Dr. George Fortier, IV.

Intensive Care
Our intensive care unit is available to provide continual observation and monitoring for patients in critical condition. Cardiac monitoring also is available. The unit is located adjacent to the nursing station to provide staff with immediate access to the unit. Local physicians coordinate care in the ICU with consultation from specialists as needed.

Childbirth Services
Two new birthing suites provide a lovely environment to deliver your baby in complete privacy and safety. Hospital nurses are trained to assist mothers (and fathers) through the labor and delivery process. After delivery, mom and baby can relax in the suite for the rest of their stay.

Rehabilitation Services
Physical therapy is provided by a rehab team made up of a physical therapist, a physical therapy assistant and an aide. The team works closely with patients and their physicians to develop and implement a rehabilitation program to help restore full function. Physical therapy includes back and limb strengthening programs and it addresses neck problems, pain problems and the use of prostheses and appliances.

Occupational therapy is provided by a full-time occupational therapist whose focus is to help patients regain full function of the affected body parts as well as to teach skills needed to function on a daily basis. Hand therapy, use of adaptive devices and relearning of basic living skills such as dressing, grooming and cooking often are part of an occupational therapy program.

Cardiac Rehabilitation
Cardiac rehabilitation teaches patients how to change their lifestyle to prevent reoccurrence of heart problems. The two major components of rehab are exercising the heart while wearing a heart monitor and learning good nutrition habits.

Radiology Services
A full range of radiology procedures are performed on site by skilled technologists under the direction of a radiologist. To enhance our radiology services, we recently obtained an ultrasound unit to provide this technology to our patients locally. In addition, the services of a mobile MRI unit are available to our patients on a weekly basis. The hospital radiology department serves patients of both the hospital and CentraCare Clinic - Melrose.

Laboratory Services
The hospital provides a full spectrum of lab analysis services, including blood banking for the hospital and clinic.

Nuclear Medicine and Cardiac Stress Testing
These services, which help evaluate the heart function and determine if further intervention and treatment are needed, are provided through the Central Minnesota Heart Center Cardiology outreach program at Melrose. To learn about stress tests, click here.

Chemotherapy and Oncology Services
Our chemotherapy services are coordinated and administered by a registered nurse who works closely with the patient’s oncologist and primary physician. Oncology is an outreach program of Melrose Area Hospital provided by physicians from St. Cloud Hospital.

Radiation Oncology
Melrose Area Hospital is proud to operate the Alexandria Radiation Oncology program, which allows us to serve patients in the western part of our service area. Our patients come to the Alexandria unit from Fergus Falls, Benson, Willmar, Melrose and all places in between. Patients who need this therapy and are not located near St. Cloud can save travel time by using the services available in Alexandria.

Nutrition Counseling
A registered dietitian provides nutrition counseling services for weight change programs, diabetic diets, low cholesterol diets and others as requested by the physician.

Inpatient Hospice Services
Melrose Area Hospital and St. Cloud Hospital have partnered to provide hospice services to patients in the hospital setting who meet the qualifications for hospice guidelines:

• Less than six months life expectancy with a sudden deterioration requiring intensive nursing intervention.
• Accepting of comfort care versus curative care.
• Physician orders hospice services.
• Patient has Medicare Part A, Medicaid and insurance or other payer source.

Home Care Services
Residents in the Melrose area have access to home health care services through St. Cloud Hospital’s Home Care program. Home care services include skilled nursing, IV therapy, medical social service, physical and occupational therapy. Specialized hospice care is also available to meet the needs of those in the final stages of life.

Social Services
A licensed social worker is on staff to assist patients with discharge planning, Medicare and medical assistance programs, and the coordination of services both in our facility and in the community. The social worker also assists patients and families with advanced directives and care planning.