Park Nicollet Methodist Hospital

04/05/2026

During this National Volunteer Month, we extend a huge thank you to all the incredible people (and pets!) who freely give their time to improve our patients’ experience.

From crafters who make hats for newborns to pet therapy dog handlers to peer visitors who offer a friendly ear, we couldn’t do it without you. Thousands of volunteers put in hundreds of thousands of hours, providing kindness, caring and compassion.

Thank you, volunteers, for all you do, for our patients, families and colleagues.

03/17/2026

If you spot a Methodist Caring Cart rolling through the halls, you’ll see Pat Croal in action.

As operations manager at the Park Nicollet Foundation, Pat launched these carts to lift spirits across the hospital. Stocked with treats, coffee, and messages of hope, they travel to every floor and department.

“It helps us say, ‘We care and thank you for your work,’” Pat says.

Pat knows the power of connection. From nurses and physicians to volunteers and administrative teams, she greets everyone by name, making people feel seen and valued.

Her career began in the lab, but Pat has always sought ways to bring people together. Volunteering, supporting leadership development, and creating opportunities for inclusion are all part of how she makes a difference every day.

“I exist at my best when I’m supporting my team and finding ways to get things done that others might not think of,” Pat says.

Pat is a partner for good, and caring isn’t just part of her job, it’s the heart of who she is.

02/21/2026

Feeling well helps students show up, focus and fully participate in learning.

We have four school-based health centers that give students easy access to health care: Brooklyn Center High School, Burnsville Diamondhead Clinic, Richfield High School and St. Louis Park Central Clinic. These centers offer high-quality, youth-friendly medical and mental health services ranging from sports physicals, immunizations and chronic care visits to emotional and behavioral health support. Care is available to all students, regardless of a family’s ability to pay.

When children are supported in their well-being, they are more likely to stay in school and graduate, parents and caregivers are less stressed and fewer routine health concerns turn into emergency room visits.

Thanks to Park Nicollet Foundation for supporting these vital centers!

01/25/2026

Our hearts are heavy as violence in our state continues to harm lives and ripple across our communities. These events affect patients, families, and the healthcare teams who care for them, even when they occur outside of our hospitals. Healthcare settings must remain places of safety, healing, and dignity for all.

As healthcare organizations, our mission is to heal—to provide safe, calm, and equitable care for everyone who needs it. Violence has no place in our communities or in healthcare.

We urge community leaders and elected officials at all levels of government to take immediate steps to deescalate harmful rhetoric and violence, and to use their influence to promote peace, safety, and constructive dialogue.

These incidents increase stress and pressure on our teams who remain deeply committed to all who need care.

We stand with all who have been affected by recent events in Minnesota and remain committed to delivering the care our community needs.

01/20/2026

Our patients come first—always.

That belief guides every interaction, every decision, every moment of care. It’s why we’re honored to be one of three facilities to receive the 2025 NRC Health Excellence in Patient Experience Award—Large Hospital. This recognition reflects what matters most to us: listening with intention, honoring the voices of patients and families, and providing care that is compassionate, respectful, and truly human.

Thank you for placing your trust in us, and for recommending our care to those you love. We are grateful to walk alongside you on your health journey.

01/08/2026

✨ Kicking off 2026 with gratitude! ✨

To kick off the new year, Park Nicollet Foundation is celebrating Gifts of Good, highlighting new and incredible programs and services that our generous donors helped make possible in 2025. From integrative therapies to volunteerism, each story is a reminder that kindness touches real people in real ways.

At Park Nicollet Foundation, we’re deeply grateful for the community of supporters who make all of this possible – for being part of something bigger, for helping patients, families and neighbors feel hope, comfort and care.

Watch a special message of gratitude from Jennifer Myster, Methodist Hospital President; Mark Sannes, MD, Chief Medical Officer; and Hayley Mueller, VP of Advancement for HealthPartners Foundations.

Join the Park Nicollet Foundation as we use philanthropy to improve health care in the Twin Cities area for patients, families and communities.

01/03/2026

Welcome, baby Ella!

Ella Lynn was the first baby born at Methodist Hospital in 2026, arriving just 12 minutes after midnight on New Year’s Day. She weighed 7 pounds, 13 ounces and is welcomed by three big brothers as well as her parents Jozef and Elinor. As part of a Slovak-American family, Ella’s nickname will be “Elka.”

Her family shares of the care team, “We delivered all of our children at Methodist, and every time, it was wonderful. The nurses are so supportive and welcoming, and the doctors are pros.”

In 2025, we welcomed more than 2,500 babies in the Methodist Hospital Birth Center, and it’s our privilege to be part of each family’s care, experience and birth story. Along with baby Ella, we’re looking forward to meeting all of our 2026 babies in the year ahead.

Happy New Year, and congratulations to this beautiful family!

12/11/2025

Stay safe during winter months by walking like a penguin. If the path ahead looks icy, take small shuffling steps that keep both feet in constant contact with the ground.

For more tips on winter safety, visit healthpartners.com/blog/common-winter-slip-and-fall-injuries.

12/01/2025

Eight of 10 Americans will experience back pain during their lifetime. Learn about the common causes of chronic back pain at healthpartners.com/blog/common-causes-of-chronic-back-pain.

11/14/2025

What is diabetes? What causes it? Is it genetic? Take some time during American Diabetes Month to find answers to common questions about diabetes at healthpartners.com/blog/questions-about-diabetes.

11/04/2025

Abraham Westlund has been playing music for as long as he can remember.

At Methodist, he’s known not only for drawing blood but for lifting spirits — playing piano and singing during his breaks.

He took his talents to a bigger stage recently, performing at the halftime of a Minnesota Vikings’ game.

In front of tens of thousands of fans, Abraham, along with colleagues from our cancer care program and Methodist by his side, he performed an original song while the team honored children who’ve faced cancer.

“I’m just blown away by the power of music and healing,” Abraham said. “It brings everybody together in so many ways. I’m blessed to get to honor patients and what they’re going through; it’s phenomenal.”

The Vikings invited Abraham to perform after seeing a Fox 9 story about the impact his work and music have on colleagues and patients. And while the cheers from fans and compliments from players were unforgettable, Abraham says the highlight was meeting the kids honored during the ceremony.

“People who go through these challenges are so strong,” he said. “Those kids have so much hope, and I’m grateful that I could honor that hope with music.”

Abraham’s music reflects what it means to be a partner for good—using talent and compassion to bring healing and hope wherever it’s needed most.

11/02/2025

Lung cancer is the third-most common cancer among men and women in the U.S. The biggest risk factor is smoking.

To learn when and why you should get screened, visit healthpartners.com/blog/lung-cancer-screening-guidelines.