Northeast Iowa health system joins UI Health Alliance

Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare-Iowa will become the fifth University of Iowa Health Alliance member, the organization accounced Wednesday.

The faith-based Notheast Iowa health care provider will bring three hospitals - Covenant Medical Center, in Waterloo, Sartori Memorial Hospital in Cedar Falls and Mercy Hospital in Oelwein - to the alliance, as well as clinic services.

'We have been working for nearly two years to advance high quality health care services, and to improve the health status of patients and communities across the state,” said University of Iowa Health Alliance Chairman Dave Vellinga in a statement. 'The addition of Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare significantly strengthens our efforts to better coordinate patient care and improve clinical integration throughout Iowa.”

The agreement does not involve a merger of assets or changes in ownership and control. Wheaton does agree to work with other health alliance members on developing and implementing evidence-based care and best practices for keeping populations healthy, as well as sharing of selected support services and information technologies.

'This is a significant step in our efforts to navigate health care reform,” said Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare President and CEO John Oliverio, in a statement.

Formally announced in June 2012, the health alliance includes Genesis Health System, Mercy-Cedar Rapids, Mercy Health Network, including hospitals affiliated with Catholic Health Initiatives and CHE Trinity Health, Livonia, Mich., and University of Iowa Health Care.

The alliance includes 58 hospitals and 175 clinics across Iowa.