Lakewood Health System - Main Campus

About Lakewood Health System

Lakewood Health System is a fiercely independent, nonprofit healthcare organization dedicated to delivering high-quality, personalized care to its rural communities. The system includes a 25-bed critical access hospital, five primary care clinics, diverse senior care services, and a wide range of specialty and ancillary services. With nearly 1,000 employees and over 40 in-house physicians across various specialties, Lakewood serves the Staples-Motley area and surrounding regions of Minnesota.

Awards & Recognition
Lakewood has been named a Star Tribune Top Workplace for five consecutive years and recognized by the Minnesota Hospital Association for workplace excellence and patient safety. The Care Center received the Silver Quality Award in 2022, and UCare honored Lakewood with a Salute to Excellence in 2021 for improving the health of PMAP/MinnesotaCare members.

Facilities & Services
Lakewood’s Level 3 Trauma Center Emergency Department handles over 9,000 visits annually, while the labor and delivery team welcomes around 500 births each year. Comprehensive on-site services include pharmacy, imaging, laboratory, same-day surgery, infusion therapy, and a wide range of specialties like Dermatology, Oncology, Urology, Orthopedics, OB/GYN, and General Surgery.

Lakewood is proud to partner with Minneapolis Heart Institute (Cardiology), Holistic Pain Management, Twin Cities Orthopedics, St. Cloud ENT and others to bring best-in-class specialty services on-site for its patients. The system uses Epic EMR, AI-assisted scribe support, and telemedicine to expand access.

Recent Developments

• Lakewood Cancer Center (opening late 2025): Featuring 14 infusion bays, 10 oncology exam rooms, radiation oncology, PET/CT, and a linear accelerator.
• The Nest (opened 2024): A $6M community fitness center in partnership with Staples-Motley School District, offering free access to Lakewood employees.
• The Plaza (opened 2024): A mixed-use development including a stunning TCO – Staples Therapy space for rehabilitation and sports performance; Longbella Drug by Lakewood retail pharmacy; and 11 modern apartments with premium amenities including rooftop patio.

Location & Community
Staples, MN, is a charming rural community of 3,200 residents with top-rated schools, including Central Lakes College and Staples-Motley School District. Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy the Crow Wing River, golf courses, parks, and Dower Lake Recreation Area.

Just 30 minutes away, the Brainerd Lakes Area offers boutique shopping, dining, and year-round recreation. Staples is 2 hrs from Minneapolis, 1 hr 15 mins from St. Cloud, and 30 mins from Brainerd’s retail and airport amenities.