Mercy Iowa City officially transitioned to University of Iowa Health Care

IOWA CITY, Iowa. – Approximately 1,000 former Mercy Iowa City providers and team members joined University of Iowa Health Care today as ownership of Mercy Iowa City officially transitioned to UI Health Care, preserving local access to health care and jobs in eastern Iowa. 

“This marks a new and exciting chapter for health care in our state,” said Denise Jamieson, MD, MPH, UI vice president for medical affairs and the Tyrone D. Artz Dean of the Carver College of Medicine. “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, at the right time. Together we are stronger, and we will use our shared strengths to better serve Iowans.”  

The transition of Mercy Iowa City’s 194-bed hospital campus and community clinics to UI Health Care follows many months of thoughtful planning by leaders from both institutions.  

“We have been working hard to make this transition as smooth as possible for staff, patients, providers, and community members,” said Bradley Haws, CEO of UI Hospitals & Clinics and associate vice president of UI Health Care. “Over the coming weeks, we will focus on welcoming our new colleagues, maintaining access, and providing continuity of care for patients. 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.” 

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.

Prior to Mercy Iowa City becoming a part of UI Health Care, the institutions shared a 150-year history of serving the health care needs of all Iowans, with a focus on providing accessible, world-class health care in our local communities.