Mercy Iowa City will be shedding its name and religious affiliation in early 2024, following its acquisition by University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics and part of an overall rebrand by UIHC.
According to a news release, Mercy’s current location will be referred to as UI Health Care’s downtown campus and will be renamed to “University of Iowa Health Care Medical Center Downtown.”
“I am bummed that we’ll no longer have a community hospital in Iowa City,” said Patrick Magallanes, president and CEO of Steindler Orthopedic Clinic, in an email to the CBJ. In February 2022, Steindler Orthopedic announced plans to partner with Mercy Iowa City on a new medical park and orthopedic clinic in North Liberty. In a February CBJ article, Steindler officials said the new project was needed to “keep the costs of outpatient orthopedic procedures in check by providing a competitive option…and to provide private physicians in Johnson County ‘a competitive chance at staying in private practice.'”
“We are committed to honoring Mercy Iowa City’s legacy as we work to build a model of care for our region that is sustainable and accessible,” said Denise Jamieson, UI vice president for medical affairs and the Tyrone D. Artz Dean of the UI Carver College of Medicine, in a news release. “Each organization brings its own strengths and a shared commitment to serve all in our community.”
UIHC’s rebranding efforts signal UI Health Care’s evolution to meet the health care needs for the state across its patient care, medical education, and biomedical research mission, according to a press release. Part of the updated brand identity will include new logos and names for campus locations. The University of Iowa Health Care name will remain, representing its position as the state’s only academic medical center.
Changes include:
- University of Iowa Health Care Medical Center will be the new name for University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics
- New logos will be adopted for UI Health Care, the UI Carver College of Medicine, UI Health Care Stead Family Children’s Hospital, and UI Health Care Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center
- Campus names will be introduced for hubs of UI Health Care locations. University campus will reflect the current academic medical center home, across from Kinnick Stadium, on the UI campus, and North Liberty campus will open in 2025 with a new hospital and clinic building, initially serving orthopedics and sports medicine. Downtown campus will serve the current Mercy Hospital and Mercy Medical Plaza buildings on E. Market St. in Iowa City.
“As we look at how UI Health Care will care for more Iowans in more ways across the state, our brand and logos are one way we communicate our strengths: our people and our reputation for excellence,” said Dr. Jamieson. “The updates to our brand reflect the pride of our talented, growing team of clinicians, scientists, educators, and health care professionals who are mission-driven to provide outstanding clinical care, grow partnerships, and collaborate to improve health care across the state.”
150 year Catholic legacy comes to an end
A separation from Mercy’s religious affiliation is part of the planned transition, since the University system is part of the state. For now, the current name and logo will continue being used until early 2024, when the transition from Mercy Iowa City branding to UI Health Care will begin on the first day of the full transition of Mercy Iowa City to UI Health Care.
In January, leaders of Mercy Hospital and The Sisters of Mercy are organizing a prayer ritual to celebrate the Sisters’ unwavering dedication to the hospital and their commitment to the Iowa City community. This gathering will not only acknowledge the Sisters’ contributions but also express gratitude to the community supporters, marking the commencement of a new healthcare chapter for the region. Mercy recently celebrated its 150th anniversary. In 1873, the Sisters of Mercy established the first hospital in Iowa City with the dean of the University of Iowa medical school, now known as the UI Carver College of Medicine.
UIHC plans expansion to Quad Cities, Sioux City
Apart from the transition at Mercy Iowa City, recent announcements highlight UI Health Care’s efforts to serve a broader population, according to UIHC. Initiatives include the establishment of a family medicine practice and a medical residency education program in Sioux City, along with the introduction of urgent care locations in the Quad Cities.
“Building upon the trust that Iowans place in UI Health Care, we aim to expand our services and create pathways that support patients and their families, as well as our partners in other hospitals and health systems,” said Dr. Jamieson.
UIHC says there are currently no changes for Mercy Iowa City, and current patients should continue to schedule and go to their appointments as usual.
More information can be found at https://uihealthcare.org/serving-together.
