Keokuk Area Hospital ownership officially transferred from UnityPoint Health to Blessing Health System on March 1. A ribbon cutting ceremony took place today to commemorate the special occasion and celebrate the newly minted Blessing Health Keokuk.
“With the new name, comes a renewed focus on improving the health of southeast Iowa and providing more consistent access to primary and specialty care,” said Maureen Kahn, RN, MHA, MSN, President/Chief Executive Officer, Blessing Health System and Blessing Hospital. “As health care delivery changes, we’re excited to design better services with an eye on the future.”
As the largest integrated health system in the region, Blessing brings its strength, experience and necessary resources to develop a sustainable, stronger network of care for Keokuk area residents.
“Health care is crucial in rural communities and we are thrilled to have found a local partner in Blessing Health System,” said Michael Maher, Board President, Keokuk Hospital Board of Directors. “I would like to thank our dedicated team members, members of the medical staff and the continued support from our community.”
“We’re committed to investing in Keokuk’s health care infrastructure to revitalize the community and the region to benefit everyone,” Kahn says. “As more health care is provided on an outpatient basis, we’re focused on enhancing and expanding services so the hospital is better positioned to offer the essential care the community needs. We’re the right partner at the right time for southeast Iowa residents—we will succeed together.”
Many rural hospitals such as Keokuk Area Hospital have struggled over the past several years.
As part of Blessing’s plans to strengthen Blessing Health Keokuk, it will direct more resources to elevate the hospital’s emergency room capabilities and care.
Another significant step will be reopening the Keokuk Medical Clinic, which closed two years ago, and will be named Blessing Health Keokuk Clinic.
This outpatient clinic will give residents in the region access to primary care as well as specialty care. Specialty clinics will include cardiology, orthopedics, women’s care, behavioral health, occupational health and more. These expanded services will reduce the need for patients to travel out of town for certain types of care.
“Blessing looks forward to being an active, engaged partner in the Keokuk area to boost the region, spark progress and improve the health of the community long-term,” Kahn says. “Our well-matched partnership promises to reenergize Blessing Health Keokuk and make high-quality health care accessible for everyone in the region now and into the future.”