Citing low usage on evenings and weekends, Mayo Clinic Health System in Fairmont has restructured its surgical services, resulting in the reduction of six positions. A press release Wednesday announced that effective Jan. 2, the positions of four nurses, one health unit coordinator who handles scheduling and one sterile processing technician who prepares surgical equipment and supplies will be eliminated.

So far this year, only one or two surgeries per week were performed after hours during the week or any time during the weekend.

General surgery will remain four days per week from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Emergency obstetrical surgeries, such as C-sections, will continue to be available at all times. Ear, nose and throat surgeries will be referred to the Mankato campus beginning Jan. 2.

Dr. James Hebl, vice president of Mayo’s southwest region, which includes Fairmont, said health care organizations throughout the country are in a continual process to ensure that services provided and the resources deployed match current patient volume.

One month ago, Fairmont Mayo announced it was cutting 17 jobs involving nursing staff in the facilities Progressive Care Unit, effective Dec. 9.