University of Iowa to rename Mercy: ‘UI Health Care Medical Center Downtown’

IOWA CITY — When the University of Iowa next year finalizes its $28 million purchase of Mercy Hospital in Iowa City, it will rename it the “University of Iowa Health Care Medical Center Downtown” — officially ending the 150-year-old community hospital’s era.

As part of a branding update released Thursday, UIHC also will rename its traditional hospitals and clinics location at 200 Hawkins Drive across from Kinnick Stadium the “University of Iowa Health Care Medical Center.”

New identities for UI Health Care “hubs” will include:

UIHC was criticized in its initial application for state approval to build the North Liberty hospital over its orthopedic and community care intentions there, and later stripped all references to ortho care in a second — and successful — application. But the university recently confirmed that “orthopedics and sports medicine will move the majority of their department's clinical, research, and educational programs to North Liberty.”

While UIHC didn’t delve into specific plans for its new “downtown campus” involving the Mercy site, UIHC Vice President for Medical Affairs Denise Jamieson said in a statement that “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.”

Acknowledging, “We don’t know what the future course will look like right now,” UIHC officials said their focus right now is on completing the Mercy bankruptcy sale.

“We expect to maintain the current services offered at Mercy Iowa City for the time being and as community needs are assessed,” according to a briefing for Mercy employees. “This is an opportunity to define a new course to meet our shared mission of caring for all."

UIHC did note in its announcement that, because it’s a state government entity, “separation from Mercy’s religious affiliation is part of the planned transition.”

“In this new chapter, UI Health Care will honor Mercy Iowa City's strong legacy of hospitality and community connections,” according to the announcement, adding, “The Sisters of Mercy and Mercy Hospital leaders are planning a prayer ritual in January to honor the Sisters’ dedication to the hospital and commitment to the Iowa City community.”

UIHC growth

In a statement, administrators said new hospital branding aligns with updates made several years ago and “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.”

“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,” Jamieson, who also heads the UI Carver College of Medicine as dean, said in a statement.

As UI Health Care expands its clinical reach across the state — for example, leasing property along the Missouri River in April and buying medical office space near the Mississippi River last month — UIHC’s footprint is exploding.

UIHC is planning to build a $1 billion inpatient tower on its newly-branded medical center site; erect a $249 million Health Sciences Academic Building nearby; and complete numerous expansions and renovations costing tens of millions — including to its main campus emergency room, existing inpatient tower and its Stead Family Children’s Hospital.

“To meet the growing needs of Iowa’s population that is aging and often requires care teams across multiple specialties, UI Health Care will continue to address the most complex care at its university campus in Iowa City and also look to provide access to its services in more locations closer to home for many Iowa families,” according to the UIHC rebranding communication.

Mercy legacy, UIHC future

Addressing the question of why UIHC isn’t keeping the Mercy name, officials said, Mercy “retained ownership of the Mercy name as part of the transition agreement with the University of Iowa.”

Until completion of the sale — which, pending numerous bankruptcy court challenges and hurdles, is expected in early 2024 — Mercy will retain its name and brand as it continues operating.

“There are no changes for Mercy Iowa City patients at this time,” UIHC officials announced. “If patients receive their care with Mercy Iowa City, they should continue to schedule and go to their appointments as usual."

Looking forward, UIHC said it s committed to retaining an “open medical staff,” meaning “community providers not employed by UI Health Care may continue to practice at the Mercy Iowa City facility under an open medical staff model.”

For Mercy Iowa City employees who accept a job with the UI, the expectation is they will begin their UIHC employment Jan. 31.

“The target date for issuing official offers outlining UI Health Care job title and salary is mid-January,” according to the briefing. “The University of Iowa Health Care does not maintain a ‘Do Not Rehire’ list.”

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