Regents approve UI request to acquire Mercy Hospital

Hunter
08/09/23

The Iowa State Board of Regents unanimously approved a request from the University of Iowa at a special session Tuesday, allowing them to submit a bid to acquire Mercy Hospital.

The University wishes to purchase Mercy’s properties in Iowa City, North Liberty, Kalona, Tipton and Williamsburg.

The deal between the two entities is far from done; a bankruptcy judge will determine the most suitable bidder for Mercy’s operations once an auction begins. Mercy was in court Tuesday morning for the first of their bankruptcy hearings.

University of Iowa President Barbara Wilson says Mercy approached the U to submit a bid to acquire them so that they could keep the ownership local.  She said the acquisition will help the University continue providing greater health care assets to area residents.

Mercy will be holding town hall sessions for their employees today to update them on this week’s proceedings.