Healthcare crisis emerges as regional hospital prepares to absorb patients and displaced staff

OTTUMWA, Iowa (KYOU) - Two clinic closures in Ottumwa are creating a healthcare crisis, leaving patients facing a critical question about where they will get care.

The MercyOne closure announcement follows Pella Regional Medical Clinic reducing its family practice operations.

Both are sending patients to different clinics and Ottumwa Regional Health Center.

Richard Bergmann, CEO of Ottumwa Regional Health Center, said the shortage of area providers was already critical.

“The entire region needs doctors, needs nurses, needs clinicians of every specialty throughout the hospital,” Bergmann said.

Bergmann’s biggest worry isn’t just absorbing the patients. It’s keeping displaced doctors and nurses from leaving Ottumwa entirely.

“We’re very concerned about keeping the providers, keeping the trained and talented people team that work with them, keeping that expertise here in the city and this region,” Bergmann said.

Ottumwa Regional Health Center is preparing to adapt. The hospital is actively recruiting providers and planning a job fair to hire displaced medical staff.

“It is our responsibility as a regional medical center and our privilege as healthcare providers in order to take care of them,” Bergmann said.

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