The Park Hospital District and UCHealth have signed agreements to bring the two health care providers together. The partnership ensures the long-term stability of Estes Park Health and its ability to provide excellent health care in Estes Valley.

The Park Hospital District board signed the agreements on May 15 following their board meeting. UCHealth leaders signed the agreements on May 21 following their board meeting. The organizations signed a letter of intent on October 3, 2024.

“Access to care close to home is important for all patients, and we’re excited for that to continue for residents and visitors in the Estes Valley,” said Kevin Unger, president and CEO of UCHealth’s Northern Colorado region. “By welcoming Estes Park Health into the UCHealth family, we reinforce our commitment to the health and wellness of all Coloradans.”

Estes Park Health and UCHealth have collaborated for many years, and for decades, Estes Park Health has partnered with Poudre Valley Hospital and its doctors and providers. Estes Park Health adopted UCHealth’s advanced electronic medical record and has launched programs to improve quality and safety for patients. UCHealth currently partners with Estes Park Health to provide access to many key specialties in Estes Park, including cardiology, oncology, ENT, urology, a sleep lab, and surgery backup coverage. UCHealth will continue to offer a number of community outreach programs in Estes Park.

“Becoming part of UCHealth gives us the financial stability to maintain patient care, operate more efficiently, bring new resources and services for our employees, gain assistance in recruiting staff and providers to Estes Park, and strengthen clinical affiliations,” said Vern Carda, CEO of Estes Park Health. “This would not have been possible without the community’s overwhelming support since 2023 to pursue a partnership with another nonprofit health system. I want to thank everyone who has been involved with this effort. There’s more work to be done, but today, we can celebrate the next chapter at Estes Park Health.”

UCHealth will offer employment to all current Estes Park Health employees, pending standard pre-employment screening, and their years of service will be recognized. Contracts for Estes Park Health physicians and advanced practice providers will transition to UCHealth, allowing providers to continue seeing patients in Estes Park.

At the Park Hospital District board’s request, the name of the hospital will transition to UCHealth Estes Valley Medical Center to reflect the care provided for the entire valley.

“As we transition into UCHealth, our community will continue to receive the expert care they have come to expect from Estes Park Health,” said David Batey, chairman of the Park Hospital District Board of Directors. “Being a part of UCHealth will also give our community access to advanced health care resources that can be challenging for a small, independent hospital to provide. Outstanding, innovative health care services will be guaranteed for Estes Valley for decades to come.”

A new board of directors will be created to oversee the nonprofit hospital, and the majority of the board members will be local community members. The new board will oversee medical staff credentialing, patient quality and safety, and recommend the budget of Estes Park Health. They will advocate for the health of employees, providers and the greater Estes Valley, support strategic planning efforts and make recommendations to UCHealth’s Board of Directors in the best interest of Estes Valley.

As pledged by Park Hospital District voters, an annual tax levied on property in the district remains in place and will continue to be used locally to support Estes Park Health, its services and the community. UCHealth is proud to honor the community’s continued support of the hospital.

UCHealth and Estes Park Health anticipate the partnership will be completed in late 2025 following review of the transaction by the Colorado Attorney General, as required by Colorado state statute.

As a nonprofit health care system and the state’s largest provider of Medicaid, UCHealth is dedicated to the communities it serves. In fiscal year 2024, UCHealth provided more than $1.3 billion in total community benefits, including $568 million in uncompensated care.