Pueblo, Colo. (October 11, 2022) – Parkview Health System and UCHealth are pleased to announce that the organizations have signed a letter of intent (LOI) for Parkview to join UCHealth in 2023. In the LOI, which was signed on October 7, the two health care systems commit to continued and strengthened health care services currently provided in Pueblo and throughout southern Colorado.
UCHealth will invest nearly $200 million in Parkview and the Pueblo community in the coming years, while continuing Parkview’s support of nursing and clinical education programs, helping to recruit new staff members and stabilizing Parkview’s finances. . UCHealth’s investment will include a $5 million donation to the Parkview Foundation to create a long-term endowment to support patients, the community and the hospital.
“It’s no secret that Parkview Health System has faced financial challenges, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Among Colorado hospitals, Parkview has one of the highest percentages of patients covered by Medicare and Medicaid with about four out of every five patients covered by a government provider. This, combined with the current economic environment, is challenging the hospital’s future,” said Leslie Barnes, president and CEO of Parkview Health System. “Joining UCHealth will provide new resources and long-term stability for Parkview patients, staff, providers and the broader community, allowing us to continue to care for underserved patients in our community.”
In addition to continuing the health services currently offered at Parkview, UCHealth plans to help develop advanced treatments and clinical trials in Pueblo, helping patients access the most innovative care and achieve excellent outcomes in the region Parkview serves. Care coordination could also allow more patients from Pueblo and southern Colorado to get the inpatient and outpatient care they need, closer to home.
UCHealth, the state’s largest Medicaid provider, is also committed to continuing Parkview’s care for patients who may have the most difficulty accessing health care. Parkview and UCHealth share similar commitments to community benefits and charitable care.
“UCHealth is honored that Parkview has chosen to join us, furthering the collaboration we began many years ago. We have similar missions and commitments to serve communities and provide the highest quality patient care,” said Elizabeth B. Concordia, president and CEO of UCHealth. “We look forward to building on the excellent care that 3,000 Parkview’s staff members and providers deliver today, ensuring the hospital and its patients have long-term stability.”
“UCHealth was formed a decade ago, and during that time, the system has grown in many areas from Greeley to Longmont and from Steamboat Springs to Colorado Springs. In each of those locations, their hospitals and clinics have grown, adding employees and services, increasing community benefits and bringing new, innovative treatments to patients. I expect the same for Parkview and all of southern Colorado, and I look forward to advancing the excellent medical care we already provide to our patients,” said Parkview Health System Board Chair Judy Fonda, who is also a business owner. Pueblo.
Parkview staff, providers and executives will retain their positions and their current benefits will remain in effect for the foreseeable future.
Over the next few months, UCHealth and Parkview will finalize their final agreement, with an effective date expected in mid-2023. UCHealth will share more information with employees and the community during this time, easing the transition and answering questions. theirs.
