Explore the Future of Orthopedic Care: Join Us for UI Health Care’s Open House at the New Hospital!

Thousands of people turned out for the open house at the new University of Iowa Health Care orthopedics hospital in North Liberty, set to open on April 28. This $525 million facility, spanning 469,000 square feet, replaces a cornfield and is designed to meet the growing healthcare needs of the community.

Denise Jamieson, vice president for medical affairs, expressed excitement for this project, emphasizing its potential to attract top medical residents. “People have waited a long time for this facility. It will bring in talented medical professionals who want to work in a beautiful place,” she said.

The hospital addresses a critical issue in Iowa: a shortage of doctors. Iowa ranks poorly in patient-to-physician ratios, making this facility a vital step towards improving healthcare access. Jamieson noted, “We need to keep talented Iowans here while also recruiting new faces who are committed to providing care in our state.”

Attendees like Carlie Sorensen, a resident specializing in internal medicine, see the expansion as beneficial for attracting students from outside Iowa. “The growth means more opportunities for hands-on experience and professional development,” she said.

On the ground, residents are eager about the hospital’s specific focus on orthopedics. Carol and Joe Galbraith, former UIHC employees, are already considering orthopedic options like knee replacements. “It’s exciting to see something like this in our community,” Carol shared.

Nearby resident Terri Reeve appreciates the convenience the new hospital will bring, especially its ample parking compared to the main campus hospital. “It’ll really help with the growing population here,” she noted.

The hospital will also alleviate pressure on existing facilities. Rod Lehnertz, senior vice president for finance and operations at UI, previously mentioned that wait times at the main campus often exceed hours. The North Liberty hospital will help handle more emergency cases, helping to shorten these wait times.

Once open, the hospital will offer various services, including:

• 36 inpatient beds
• 84 clinic exam rooms
• 14 emergency care rooms
• 12 operating rooms
• A retail pharmacy
• Advanced diagnostic imaging, including MRI and CT scans
• Physical therapy and rehabilitation services
• A walk-in clinic for same-day treatment

Around 700 staff will work at the new facility, with about 300 new positions created. Residents appreciate the choice this brings to their healthcare options. Karen Pregon, whose daughter will work there, believes the community will benefit significantly from having more localized healthcare.

Overall, the anticipation surrounding the new North Liberty hospital reflects a community eager for improved healthcare access and modern facilities. The long-awaited opening promises to change the landscape of medical care in the region, meeting both current needs and future growth.

For more information on community healthcare initiatives, visit the Iowa Department of Public Health.

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