Mercy Iowa City is now University of Iowa Health Care

The top stories in the Quad Cities area on Jan. 31.
Published: Jan. 31, 2024 at 2:23 PM CST
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IOWA CITY, Iowa {KWQC} – On Wednesday, the University of Iowa Health Care officially acquired Mercy Iowa City hospital and community clinics.

“This is an opportunity for UI Health Care to move toward a more integrated model of care, helping Iowans get the right care, at the right place, and at the right time,” said University of Iowa Vice President for medical affairs and the Tyrone D. Artz Dean of the Carver College of Medicine, Denise Jamieson, MD, MPH.

An estimated 1,000 former Mercy Iowa City team members and providers have joined the University of Iowa Health Care providing local access to jobs and health care in the Eastern Iowa region.

“We have been working hard to make this transition as smooth as possible for staff, patients, providers, and community workers,” said CEO of University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics and Associate Vice President of University of Iowa Health Care, Bradley Haws.

“This marks a new and exciting chapter for health care in our state,” added Jamieson. “Together, we are stronger, and we will use our shared strengths to better serve Iowans.”

After many months of detailed planning by leaders from both UI Health Care and Mercy Iowa City, it will include the transition of Mercy Iowa City’s 194-bed hospital campus and community clinics to UI Health Care.

“Over the coming weeks, we will focus on welcoming our new colleagues, maintaining access, and providing continuity of care for patients,” added Haws. “We remain committed to preserving Mercy Iowa City’s spirit of hospitality and we are actively listening to patients and community members to chart our path forward.”

According to the University of Iowa Health Care, the key information about the integration includes:

* Mercy Iowa City hospital will now be known as UI Health Care Medical Center Downtown.

* Most patients will not see any immediate changes. They should continue to schedule and go to appointments as usual.

* All employees in good standing were offered employment with UI Health Care.

* Community providers not employed by UI Health Care will continue to practice at the facility under an open medical staff model.

This merger comes after 150 years of the two businesses serving health care needs with the focus of providing world-class and accessible healthcare in the local communities.