Hartley medical clinic to change hands
MercyOne leaving sometime this summer
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A big change is coming to a Hartley medical clinic soon.
The family clinic located inside Hartley's Community Memorial Health Center will transfer operations from MercyOne to Spencer Hospital. No date for the change has been finalized, but a news release from Spencer Hospital said it would occur "later this summer."
"We've appreciated our relationship with MercyOne and the services it offered," said Colleen Paulsen, chair of the Community Memorial Health Center board. "Given how many of our community members utilize a wide range of medical services based in Spencer, our board members believe aligning local primary care services with Spencer Hospital makes sense for the communities we serve."
MercyOne officials informed patients of the impending change in a letter dated May 30 and explained the situation was not made by them.
"We have been dedicated to serving this community and we had hoped to continue doing so for years to come," wrote Beth Hughes, president of MercyOne Western Iowa. "However, due to situations outside of our control, our lease for the MercyOne Hartley Family Medicine Clinic has experienced an unexpected change and has been terminated. This was not our decision to leave this community."
The clinic will be named Hartley Family Care of Spencer Hospital and managed by Spencer Hospital in collaboration with Avera Medical Group Spencer (AMGS). Services will be provided in a manner similar to the hospital's rural clinics in the communities of Milford and Sioux Rapids, which have served its area residents for over 20 years, according to the news release.
"Spencer Hospital understands the trust that the citizens of Hartley and O'Brien County have placed in us," said Bill Bumgarner, Spencer Hospital president. "As a rural healthcare provider, we realize the value of local access to quality medical services. We look forward to serving the people of Hartley and surrounding communities, which includes dozens of our own employees."
Hartley Family Care will offer local family medical care to the community as well as laboratory, diagnostic imaging and physical therapy services.
Current patients who are under MercyOne's care can transition to MercyOne Primghar Family Medicine if they choose.
"We would like to thank this community for entrusting us with your care over the years," said Hughes. "We believe in the power of strong provider-patient relationships, and we know that radically convenient, personalized care in rural communities is critical to help you live your best life."
Hartley Family Care's opening date, its new care provider and information about appointment scheduling will be provided as clinic operation preparations are finalized, according to hospital spokesperson Susan Zulk.
