Pueblo, Colo. (October 11, 2022) – Parkview Health System and UCHealth are pleased to announce that the organizations have signed a letter of intent (LOI) for Parkview to join UCHealth in 2023. In the LOI, which was signed October 7, both health care systems commit to continuing and strengthening the health care services currently offered in Pueblo and throughout southern Colorado.
UCHealth will invest nearly $200 million into Parkview and the Pueblo community in the coming years while continuing Parkview’s support of nursing and clinical education programs, helping recruit new staff members, and stabilizing Parkview’s finances. UCHealth’s investment will include a donation of $5 million to the Parkview Foundation to establish a long-term fund to support patients, the community and the hospital.
“It’s no secret that Parkview Health System has faced financial challenges, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Among Colorado hospitals, Parkview has one of the highest percentages of patients covered by Medicare and Medicaid with about four out of every five patients being covered by a governmental provider. This, combined with the current economic environment, is challenging the future of the hospital,” said Leslie Barnes, Parkview Health System president and CEO. “Joining UCHealth will provide new resources and long-term stability for Parkview’s patients, staff, providers and the broader community, while allowing us to continue caring for underserved patients in our community.”
In addition to continuing the health services currently offered at Parkview, UCHealth plans to help develop advanced treatments and clinical trials in Pueblo, helping patients access the most innovative care and achieve excellent outcomes in the region Parkview serves. Care coordination may also allow more patients from Pueblo and southern Colorado to receive the inpatient and outpatient care they need, closer to home.
UCHealth, the state’s largest provider of Medicaid, is also committed to continuing Parkview’s care for patients who may have more difficulty accessing health care. Parkview and UCHealth share similar commitments to community benefits and charity care.
“UCHealth is honored that Parkview has chosen to join us, increasing the collaboration we started many years ago. We have similar missions and commitments to serving communities and providing the highest quality care for patients,” said Elizabeth B. Concordia, UCHealth president and CEO. “We look forward to building on the excellent care that Parkview’s 3,000 staff members and providers deliver today while ensuring the hospital and its patients have long-term stability.”
“UCHealth was formed a decade ago, and over that time, the system has grown in many areas from Greeley to Longmont, and from Steamboat Springs to Colorado Springs. In each of those locations, their hospitals and clinics have grown, adding employees and services, increasing community benefits, and bringing new, innovative treatments for patients. I expect the same for Parkview and all of southern Colorado, and I look forward to advancing the excellent medical care we already offer for our patients,” said Parkview Health System Board Chair Judy Fonda, who is also the owner of a Pueblo business.
Parkview’s staff, providers and leaders will retain their positions, and their current benefits will remain in place for the foreseeable future.
Over the coming months, UCHealth and Parkview will complete their final agreement, with an effective date expected in mid-2023. UCHealth will share more information with employees and the community during this time, easing the transition and answering their questions.