Denver Business Journal | UCHealth to add a mountain hospital to its growing system
UCHealth is expanding again, this time adding an Estes Park hospital to its network. Estes Park Health (EPH) signed a letter of intent to join UCHealth next year, with completion of the merger expected in the spring, the two systems announced. EPH requested the deal in the face of rising costs that have forced the hospital to cut or reduce care programs, the organizations said Wednesday. EPH said it has transferred or reduced services for obstetrics, home health and hospice. Last year, the EPH special district — called Park Hospital District — voted to authorize the hospital joining a larger health system, with 80% of voters supporting the move, according to the announcement. UCHealth pledged to invest more than $30 million in the hospital and Estes Park community in coming years. The system will also evaluate opportunities to expand virtual health programs and behavioral health services in the area, it said.