Skiff Medical Center to be renamed MercyOne Newton Medical Center

CLIVE — Skiff Medical Center and parent organization Mercy Health Network (MHN) announced Monday it is rebranding and changing its name to MercyOne.

According to a press release, as of Feb. 1, the health system “will unify its statewide footprint by implementing that MHN leaders are calling 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.”

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. The Newton facility’s official name will be MercyOne Newton Medical Center.

“We look forward to serving Newton and Jasper County for many years to come as part of MercyOne,” said Laurie Conner, president of Skiff Medical Center. “Although our name is changing, we will continue to serve as a cornerstone of the Newton community, anchored by a caring team providing the best health services close to home.”

Formed in 1998 by Catholic Health Initiatives (CHI) and Trinity Health, MHN has grown and today 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,” said Bob Ritz, MHN president and CEO. “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. Mercy Health Network leaders saw this as a challenge and completed 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.

In his written statement, Ritz said 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 the selection of this new name, the organization has developed a new logo and brand identity to be unveiled on 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 said he 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. This initiative will strengthen our extensive statewide network, reinforce our commitment to excellence, and have a tremendous impact and on the health and well-being of all,” said Keeler.

Mercy Des Moines’ hospitals include Skiff; Mercy Medical Center — central campus; Mercy Medical Center — West Lakes; Mercy Children’s Hospital & Clinics; Mercy Medical Center — Centerville.

While MHN’s name and brand are changing, the system’s leadership and ownership structure remain the same, the release stated. 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.

As part of the name change and rebranding plan, the organization has developed and implemented a unique culture engagement initiative designed to align all teams and facilities to deliver consistently on its mission, vision and values.

“While the name of our organization will change to reflect our focus on coming together as one system of care, we will continue to deliver compassionate care with the best outcomes for each and every person we are privileged to serve,” Ritz said. “The name MercyOne is a reflection of our past and the promise of our future.”

Contact Newton Daily News at newsroom@newtondailynews.com