Keokuk Health Systems and UnityPoint Health leaders announced this morning they have signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding that could result in an affiliation between the two organizations.
Under the proposed affiliation, UnityPoint Health will become the sole corporate member of KHS, thereby assuming accountability and responsibility for operations such as debt, annual planning and budget.
UnityPoint Health President and CEO Kevin Vermeer said his organization has “a great deal of respect for the long tradition of care (Keokuk Health Systems has) in the community.”
“With the changing direction of health care, it is increasingly important for organizations and systems to collaborate and partner in order to continue to provide quality affordable health care,” he said. “This partnership will further our relationship with Keokuk Health Systems and allow for them to continue and enhance the health care services they provide to the Keokuk area.
UnityPoint Health will take financial responsibility for initial capital investments, ongoing capital needs and operating results such as renovation the Keokuk Area Hospital emergency department.
“We’re on the path toward becoming part of the UnityPoint family,” said Duane Fitch, owner and CEO of Fitch Healthcare, a company that rescues troubled hospitals and other health care-related organizations. “I’m thrilled about it. It represents a major milestone in the preservation and expansion of health service in the Keokuk Community.”
Quincy Medical Group, an independent entity affiliated with the UnityPoint Health system, will expand clinicalservices that it provides in Keokuk. Greater access to primary care providers, specialists and hospital services, and improving care coordination and patient experience will be available to the community.
The accord between Keokuk Health Systems and UnityPoint allows the organizations to negotiate the terms of an affiliation in a timely fashion.
“We’re committed to being there through the completion of the transaction and transition,” Fitch said.
The Keokuk board will stay intact and oversee day-to-day operations.
“Our proposed partnership with UnityPoint Health and Quincy Medical Group provides substantial stability to our organization and greatly enhances our ability to deliver on our critical health care mission for many years to come,” said Walt Stephens, chair of the Keokuk Health Systems Board of Directors.
Carol Brockmiller, CEO of Quincy Medical Group, said the organization is looking forward to the “trifecta partnership.”
“Quincy Medical Group’s role will be to help connect physicians to serve Keokuk, both for primary and specialty care,” Brockmiller said. “We look forward to talking with physicians and community members to determine what is needed to provide robust health care to the area.”
Formal discussions will start immediately. Both parties will work to complete due diligence and receive the appropriate approvals from their respective governing boards.
The agreement will preserve a key role for the local boards in the leadership and governance of Keokuk Health Systems.
About UnityPoint Health
UnityPoint Health is one of the nation’s most integrated health systems. Its physician-led team of professionals communicates clearly and effectively to address a patient’s health care in the most appropriate setting: a clinic, a hospital or at home. Through relationships with more than 280 physician clinics, 33 hospitals in metropolitan and rural communities, and home care services throughout its nine regions, UnityPoint Health provides care throughout Iowa, Western Illinois and Southern Wisconsin, according to the organization.
UnityPoint Health entities employ more than 30,000 employees. Each year, through more than 5.6 million patient visits, UnityPoint Health, UnityPoint Clinic and UnityPoint at Home provides a full range of coordinated care to patients and families. With total annual operating revenue of $3.9 billion, UnityPoint Health is the nation’s 13th largest nonprofit health system and the fourth largest nondenominational health system in America.
UnityPoint Health provides community benefit programs and services to improve the health of people in its communities.
About Keokuk Health Systems
Keokuk Health Systems is made up of four distinct but inter-related organizations including Keokuk Area Hospital, Tri-State Medical Group, Keokuk Area Medical Equipment & Supply and Keokuk Area Hospital Foundation.
About Quincy Medical Group
In 1945, the Physicians & Surgeons Clinic opened its doors and Quincy became one of the Midwest’s primary centers for health care. The Physicians & Surgeons Clinic and the Quincy Clinic merged in 1987, combining staff and equipment to create Quincy Medical Group. With almost 800 employees, 110 physicians, and 50 advance practice providers practicing in 30 medical and surgical specialties, QMG provides health care services to nearly 400,000 Tri-State Area patients annually.
Quincy Medical Group’s affiliate offices in Canton, Lewistown and LaBelle, Mo.; Barry, Mount Sterling, Pittsfield, Pleasant Hill and Winchester, Ill., provide primary care to patients in rural communities.
