Sanford Health and Prairie Lakes Healthcare System Combine to Strengthen Regional Care

Northeast Radio SD News - Watertown, SD - Sanford Health, the nation’s largest rural health care system, and Watertown-based Prairie Lakes Healthcare System announced they have officially combined organizations. The partnership aims to strengthen health care delivery and accessibility for residents across a 10-county region in northeast South Dakota and western Minnesota.

The combination, announced jointly by the non-profit systems, includes a commitment to financial investments in the Watertown community designed to create lasting positive impacts on local health, wellness, and quality of life.

Continuity of Care and Local Leadership

A key element of the transition is the commitment to maintaining seamless patient care. Sanford Health stated that patients will continue to see their current providers, and there will be no disruptions in care as the two systems integrate.

Prairie Lakes Healthcare System will eventually transition to operate under the Sanford Health name and brand. However, the goal is to preserve and expand the services currently offered across the region.

John Allen, who serves as President and CEO of Prairie Lakes Healthcare System, will continue to lead the organization locally.

Expanded Resources for Regional Patients

Leaders from both organizations highlighted the strategic benefits of the partnership.

“As mission-driven nonprofit health care systems, Sanford Health and Prairie Lakes Healthcare System are dedicated to caring for the communities we serve,” said Andy Munce, President and CEO of Sanford Health, Sioux Falls region. “Our partnership will ensure patients and community members continue to have access to world-class services and providers for generations.”

Chris Carter, Chairperson of the Prairie Lakes Healthcare System Board of Directors, emphasized the gain in resources for the local system. “By joining Sanford Health, the Prairie Lakes Healthcare System builds on its foundation of quality medical providers and staff... We gain resources and capabilities to do even more to support the communities we serve going forward,” Carter stated. He added that the move ensures the system will continue delivering "exceptional, close-to-home care for years to come.”

Prairie Lakes Healthcare System serves approximately 90,000 people and has around 800 employees, including 60 providers. It is licensed to operate 81 acute care hospital beds and offers comprehensive services, including a 24-hour emergency department, surgery capabilities, and interventional cardiology.