The University of Iowa’s Health Care system expanded into downtown Iowa City on Wednesday, officially assuming control of Mercy Hospital and officially ending months of operational uncertainty at the 150-year-old hospital.
The former Mercy Hospital is now the University of Iowa Health Care Medical Center Downtown. Official signage was installed Wednesday morning, replacing the familiar green and white Mercy sign.
UI healthcare leaders greeted nurses, doctors, and patients as they entered the building on Jan. 31, opening a day of celebration with visits from the spirit squad and Herky and University of Iowa merchandise giveaways.
The university assumes control of all 14 of Mercy’s healthcare buildings across its campuses in Iowa City, North Liberty, Kalona, Tipton and Williamsburg.
Vice President of Medical Affairs and Dean of the UI Carver College of Medicine Denise Jamieson has piloted much of the transition in the last few months, leaning on her prior experience. Jamieson was hired by the UI in the summer of 2023 after a lengthy search.