'Spirit of hospitality’ remains at UI Health Care’s downtown campus as care continues
Quality care continues at the former Mercy Iowa City medical center one year later
One year ago, University of Iowa Health Care completed the acquisition of Mercy Iowa City hospital and community clinics, preserving local access to health care for tens of thousands of people and continuing a legacy of service that dates back to 1873.
“It was vital to preserve these essential health care services for our community,” says Denise Jamieson, MD, MPH, the UI vice president of medical affairs and the Tyrone D. Artz Dean of the Carver College of Medicine. “I’m proud of how we’ve maintained local access to outstanding, high-quality care, preserved jobs, and continued the spirit of hospitality.”
More than 72,000 patients were seen in the first year at the downtown medical center and the former Mercy Iowa City clinics. UI Health Care leaders say more and more patients are seeking care at the downtown campus, looking for medical professionals who can provide care in a setting that is local, personal, and convenient. The hospital at downtown campus offers a variety of services including an emergency department, surgery, family medicine, labor and delivery, and more.
“More than 550 babies were born at our downtown campus this last year, and we’re expecting that number to climb,” says Jennifer Miller, MHA, MPH, RD, chief administrative officer for downtown campus. “The energy downtown is vibrant. We’re active and full on most days.”
The former Mercy Iowa City hospital and associated clinics joined UI Health Care with the majority of providers and team members staying on through the transition. Teams began integrating immediately in early 2024 with the goal of creating a seamless continuation of care for patients.
Coincidentally, the hospital’s first baby of 2025 was born to Hannah Unkrich, a cardiac rehab specialist at the downtown campus.
She recently told a local newspaper that the care at the hospital "hasn’t changed a bit — same personal touch to the care they give, and they answer all questions and are so much help.”
“We’ve found that patients really appreciate familiar care from familiar faces. So many of our team members have dedicated their careers to compassionate care for Iowans,” says Miller. “I want people to feel assured that they can come to us when they need us. We care for your loved ones from birth through all stages of life.”
The community can expect growth at the downtown campus over the next year as UI Health Care looks to continue to enhance services.
“It’s exciting to see how bringing strengths together has allowed us to better serve the health care needs of our community and beyond,” says Brad Haws, CEO of UI Health Care’s clinical enterprise and associate vice president. “As we look to the future, downtown campus will continue to be a vital part of our community and connected system of care.”
