As M Health Fairview moves forward with layoffs and other changes within its network of hospitals and clinics, political leaders in Dakota County are making a play to keep St. Joseph’s Hospital open in the east metro — even if it means relocation from St. Paul to the southeast suburbs.

On Dec. 12, Dakota County Board member Joe Atkins sent a letter to M Health Fairview CEO James Hereford urging “every option to keep St. Joseph’s Hospital operating in its current location.”

It goes on to say: “If the conclusion is reached that St. Joseph’s will not continue operations in its current location in downtown St. Paul, we urge its relocation rather than its closure. … We would be happy to organize the efforts and approvals necessary to welcome St. Joseph’s to its new home in Dakota County.”

The letter is co-signed by the three mayors in Atkins’ district — Eagan Mayor Mike Maguire, Inver Grove Heights Mayor George Tourville and Rosemount Mayor William Droste.

Atkins published the letter to social media on Wednesday, taking his hospital campaign public.

Mayors in my district and I support the doctors, nurses, and patients seeking to keep St. Joseph's Hospital open in St. Paul. St. Joe's has served east metro families since 1853, and we want to see this continue.#StJoesServesStPaul (and the whole east metro) pic.twitter.com/81vAPJTTkU — Joe Atkins (@commishatkins) December 18, 2019

Hereford this month said that downtown St. Paul’s iconic 400-bed hospital is losing money, and by early 2020, the health network is expected to begin community discussions on its future. St. Joe’s has served St. Paul since 1853.

A closure has not been announced, but physicians say they have no illusions about the health network’s intent. They have already taken to social media with a campaign to save the venerated institution using the hashtag #StJoesServesStPaul.

Cuts are already planned at Bethesda Rehabilitation Hospital, where the number of patient beds will drop by half.

A Fairview spokeswoman released the following statement Wednesday: “No decision regarding St. Joseph’s Hospital has been made and our commitment to serving St. Paul remains unchanged. We are aware of the concern from the community, and the desire for collaboration. We are partnering with community organizations as we move forward through our transformation.”

It goes on to say: “In light of the healthcare affordability crisis in our country, we are choosing to lead toward a solution that is more affordable, easy to navigate and rooted in the latest research and advances in medicine. We believe that our responsibility to provide care goes beyond our organization and are working thoughtfully with our employees, the community, government leaders, industry leaders, and our patients to develop new ways to provide quality, affordable healthcare to our patients. We are rethinking everything we do and remain committed to doing what is in the best interest of our patients.”

MARCH ON THURSDAY

To raise awareness, nurses and other health workers affiliated with the Minnesota Nurses Association and SEIU Healthcare Minnesota plan a “Shine a Light” march at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday through Mears Park in St. Paul’s Lowertown neighborhood.

M Health Fairview, a nonprofit health network, acquired St. Joe’s parent company, HealthEast, in 2017 and eliminated the hospital’s maternity ward soon after. Related Articles Photos: A look at virus’s impact as deaths near 1 million

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The hospital, which is located near shelters and low-income housing, continues to maintain a large mental health crisis center, addiction services, a Cyberknife cancer center and a busy emergency room, among other specialties.

St. Joe’s operating expenses last year were $304 million. That compares to $260.5 million in operating revenues, a difference of nearly $44 million.

Last week, M Health Fairview announced it would cut beds and staffing at the Bethesda Rehabilitation Hospital in half, reducing services from as many 114 beds down to 50.