Merger of Sanford and Fairview will close the family care

All three of Greg and Renate Schmittke’s children were born at Fairview Health Services in Edina, Minnesota.

The family eventually moved from Lakeville to the Fargo-Moorhead area in 1997. The couple often return to the Twin Cities to visit their daughter Ruth Gredwig, who now works at Fairview headquarters.

“We had Fairview as our primary hospital care while living here in the Twin Cities. Even though we have moved to Fargo Moorhead, we still have a connection to Fairview as our daughter works as an administrative assistant,” said Greg.

They’ve been married for 40 years and both are in their early 60s. Greg and Renata have been in the hospital for more than they’d like lately.

“I had knee replacements at Sanford. Very good work. There are wonderful doctors,” said Renate. “When I had COVID-19 two years ago, I had PE, that is, a pulmonary embolism, and I was treated in the emergency room at a new hospital in Fargo. I was then transferred to the Broadway Hospital (Sanford Broadway Medical Center) and that was on their COVID floor.

“They were wonderful. The nurses who came, the doctors, I didn’t understand that I felt so bad.”

Greg has his share of health concerns.

“I had a heart attack on February 21st and then a second one on April 22nd. The care I received was excellent,” said Greg. “I was not afraid, but I was clearly worried about what was happening. Having doctors who know what they are doing is very helpful.”

Schmitkes wants Sanford and Fairview to “strengthen assistance together” to provide greater access to specialists and greater travel comfort.

“Being online here in the Twin Cities, we don’t have insurance issues if there are issues while we are here. Especially getting older, you never know,” Greg said.

“Incredible connection” between communities already

With family and friends throughout Minnesota, South Dakota, and North Dakota, Greg says these regions are already connected in many ways.

“There is almost the same triangle. I think there is an incredible connection. Almost everyone in Fargo Moorhead either knows or has relatives here in the Twin Cities, or knows people or has relatives in Sioux Falls. I’m sure that’s true for both Sioux Falls and the Twin Cities,” Greg said.

When Sanford merged with Fargo-based MeritCare in 2009, Greg recalls a patient having several questions.

“Will I be able to keep my doctor? Can I continue to go to the same clinic?” Greg said.

Not only have the responses been positive, Greg and Renata have benefited from Sanford’s investment in the community.

“Sanford is here. They built a brand new hospital on the west side of Fargo,” Greg said.

It was in this hospital that Greg and Renata received life-saving care.

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