Alliance & Chamber investor Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare – Iowa has joined Mercy Health Network. They recently released the following information.
Wheaton Iowa Ministries Join Mercy Health Network
The Wheaton Franciscan Sisters finalized an agreement making the Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare – Iowa (Wheaton Iowa) operations – Covenant Medical Center, Waterloo; Sartori Memorial Hospital, Cedar Falls; and Mercy Hospital, Oelwein – part of Mercy Health Network (MHN) as of May 1, 2016. MHN is based in Des Moines and is an integrated system of hospitals, clinics and other health and patient care facilities working to achieve the “triple aim goals” of better health care services, better health, and higher efficiency.
“We are excited to become part of Mercy Health Network, an Iowa-based health care system focused on continuity of care for patients, payers, and employers,” said Jack Dusenbery, President and CEO of Wheaton Iowa. “Our hospitals and clinics positioned throughout northeast Iowa add strength to a statewide network of health care services focused on improving access and creating efficiencies.”
MHN was founded in 1998 under a joint operating agreement between two of the
largest Catholic, not-for-profit health organizations in the US: Catholic Health Initiatives, based in Englewood, Colorado, and Trinity Health, based in Livonia, Michigan. With the addition of Wheaton Iowa, MHN includes 15 owned hospitals and medical centers, 26 community hospitals affiliated through contracts, and 207 physician clinics.
“As an Iowa-based health care system with access to two national sponsors, MHN is positioned to best meet the needs of patients, families, employers, insurers and communities throughout the state,” said Dave Vellinga, President and CEO of MHN. “Together, we strive to be the premier health care system offering the highest value to those we serve by improving quality of health care, increasing accessibility of care, enhancing services to patients and their families, and reducing costs.”
The Wheaton Franciscan Sisters engaged in a lengthy discernment process to determine the future disposition of their corporate ministries while they are healthy, fiscally sound, and have a strong sense of mission and values. Sister Pat Norton, Chair of the Sponsor Member Board for Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare stated, “The choice to transfer our ministries ensures that the needs of the times will continue to be addressed in each community, as the Sisters have worked to do for more than 140 years.”
Under the terms of the agreement, MHN becomes the owner of Wheaton Iowa properties. The transaction will not change the complement of local services and will not result in changes in leadership. MHN will have representation on the local Board of Directors.
“We have the highest regard for Jack Dusenbery and his leadership team,” Vellinga said. “We are fortunate to have such a strong group of leaders partnering with us in our mission of healing and improving health.”
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