March 27, 2024

Kalona residents benefit from collaboration and care options at UI Health Care and WCHC

UI Health Care is preparing to sell a clinic facility, located at 503 3rd St., Kalona, to Washington County Hospitals and Clinics (WCHC), pending approval by the Iowa Board of Regents. The proposed sale will enable the residents of Kalona and adjoining communities to be served by both UI Health Care and WCHC.

"UI Health Care and WCHC have a long history of collaborating to care for the residents of Washington County,” says Denise Jamieson, MD, UI vice president for medical affairs and the Tyrone D. Artz Dean of the Carver College of Medicine. “Both organizations are committed to preserving access to care and making sure patients get the right care, at the right place, at the right time. WCHC’s proposed purchase of the Kalona clinic presents a unique opportunity for collaboration while maintaining care options in Washington County."

The Kalona clinic will add to WCHC’s facility portfolio, which includes a critical access hospital, Family Medicine Clinic, McCreedy Medical Clinic, and Beans Pharmacy in Washington and a clinic in Columbus Junction. UI Health Care will continue to serve Kalona and Washington County residents through its Riverside clinic location and provide specialty outreach services at WCHC, including OBGYN, midwifery, urology, electrophysiology, dialysis, and emergency care.

“We are proud of our 100-year legacy of providing healthcare services to Washington County and surrounding community residents,” says Todd Patterson, WCHC Chief Executive Officer.  "Kalona is an important community in our primary service area, and we are excited for the opportunity to expand access to our outpatient services for its residents and a continued collaboration with UI Health Care.”

The Kalona family medicine clinic was acquired by UI Health Care in January 2024 through Mercy Iowa City’s bankruptcy process.

“We are incredibly grateful for the outstanding family medicine providers who joined UI Health Care during the Mercy Iowa City transition,” says Jeffrey Quinlan, MD, chair and DEO of family medicine at UI Health Care. “Our hope is that the providers and staff at the Kalona clinic will transition to UI Health Care’s nearby clinics in Riverside and Williamsburg so they can continue serving residents in the surrounding area.”