Skiff Medical Center to adopt new name

CLIVE — Mercy Health Network (MHN), a leading health care system, today announced it will soon become MercyOne. With the name change set to officially launch Feb. 1, the system will unify its statewide footprint by implementing a strategic brand initiative to connect the many points of care across the state and surrounding regions to better enable consumers to recognize and navigate its vast network of services.

Formed in 1998 by Catholic Health Initiatives (CHI) and Trinity Health, MHN has grown into a leading provider of hospital and related health services. The system includes more than 43 owned, joint venture and affiliated medical centers and hospital campuses, along with more than 230 primary care clinics and other health facilities, all generating more than $3 billion in combined revenue and employing more than 20,000 people.

“Over the past 20 years, Mercy Health Network has grown significantly, expanding our network of locations, clinical capabilities, services and geographic reach,” Bob Ritz, MHN president and CEO said. “Our unifying name and look are key steps in progressing from an individual location to a more visible, integrated health system working together to provide statewide access and expertise.”

Currently, MHN’s system of hospitals and facilities are represented by dozens of different brand names, logos and messages. Given this challenge, MHN completed important strategic planning work, conducted consumer research and engaged with more than 4,000 physician partners and colleagues through discussions, focus groups, surveys and interviews over the last 18 months. The new name, MercyOne, was selected after a comprehensive external review and selection process.

“The new name acknowledges our history and carries on our legacy, which is grounded in faith,” Ritz said. “This change to unify under the MercyOne brand follows work to align our mission, vision and culture, which guides us in caring for our patients and communities.

With selection of this new name, the organization has developed a new logo and brand identity to be unveiled Feb. 1. All of the system’s wholly owned hospitals and care sites will adopt the MercyOne name, along with a facility locator. As part of the rebranding, exterior and interior signage and branded materials will be modified with the new name and logo in a phased, cost-effective manner, which will take approximately three years to complete.

Mercy Medical Center — Des Moines President Karl Keeler is looking forward to the brand transition. “Every day, our compassionate providers and colleagues proudly provide personalized world class health care in Des Moines and Iowa,” Keeler said.

Mercy Des Moines’ hospitals include: Mercy Medical Center – central campus, Mercy Medical Center – West Lakes, Mercy Children’s Hospital & Clinics, Mercy Medical Center – Centerville and Skiff Medical Center in Newton.

Skiff Medical Center became a fully owned Mercy hospital and a member of Mercy Health Network in July 2015. Skiff, which has served the health needs of Newton and the surrounding areas for almost a century, will soon adopt the new MercyOne name.

“We look forward to serving Newton and Jasper County for many years to come as part of MercyOne,” Laurie Conner, president of Skiff Medical Center, said.

While MHN’s name and brand are changing, the system’s leadership and ownership structure remains the same. The founders, two of the country’s foremost not-for-profit Catholic health organizations — CHI and Trinity Health — will continue to work together through the new MercyOne system. In addition, all owned facility will maintain its existing leadership and local boards.

All affiliated hospitals and facilities contracting with MHN for management support, statewide initiatives and strategic benefits will continue to retain their local governance and current names.​