CLINTON, Iowa – The MercyOne Clinton Medical Center is ending many of its maternal care services – including labor and delivery services, hospital officials announced in a news release Friday morning, March 27.
The health care changes in Clinton are part of “forward-looking adjustments to remain sustainable” in the face of higher costs, staffing shortages and government reimbursement changes for care, according to the MercyOne news release.
MercyOne Clinton Medical Center, 1410 N. 4th St., Clinton, is a 249-bed facility serving counties in eastern Iowa and western Illinois.
Labor and delivery services will continue to be available at other MercyOne birth centers in Dubuque, Davenport and Silvis. MercyOne said Tuesday, May 26, will be the final day scheduled deliveries will be performed in the Clinton medical center.
Patients will continue to have access to prenatal and women’s health services in Clinton through MercyOne Clinton Medical Center and family practice/OB providers. Providers will work directly with patients to discuss delivery options and ensure a smooth and safe transition of care.
“Health care providers nationwide are facing significant challenges, including increasing costs, staffing shortages and reimbursement that does not cover the full cost of care. These pressures are combined with recent and expected government funding and policy changes across Medicaid and Medicare, reducing reimbursement to hospital systems. It is not possible to absorb these impacts without making thoughtful, forward-looking adjustments to remain sustainable,” according to the news release issued by MercyOne.
The statement added: “Despite significant efforts over the past several years, MercyOne has been unable to maintain sustainable demand for labor and delivery services, as demographics and community needs evolve. Transitioning deliveries to nearby MercyOne birth centers will strengthen a regional, sustainable care model that enhances safety, reliability, and long-term access.”
MercyOne leaders also have set up an online site to provide more information on the planned changes at its Clinton medical facility. Go here for more information.
In the “Frequently Asked Questions” section, MercyOne reported: “80% of the services we provide are for Medicaid, Medicare and charity care patients. Recent and future government funding and policy changes, including Medicaid cuts, are projected to drive a $1.5 billion annual reduction in reimbursement for Trinity Health, Livonia.”
MercyOne added that the health care system will add some other services in Clinton. They include a new MRI machine, expanded convenient care, a da Vinci XI robotic surgical system, AirMed coverage, and expanded orthopedic and endocrinology services.
“As we redesign care across the region, we are also investing in services that support long-term sustainability at MercyOne Clinton Medical Center,” according to the news release.
Headquartered in central Iowa, MercyOne is a member of Trinity Health (based in Livonia, Michigan) – one of the largest not-for-profit Catholic health care systems in the nation.
