UnityPoint Health, a network of healthcare facilities and providers owned by Trinity Health in Des Moines, Iowa, has its roots in the merger of two local health systems – Mercy Medical Center and Saint Joseph’s Hospital – in 1998. The new entity, then called Unity Healthcare, was founded by the leaders of these two healthcare organizations who recognized the need for greater collaboration and coordination in the delivery of care to patients in the region.
The merger was led by Dr. Kenneth McClure, who served as CEO of Mercy Medical Center from 1983 until his retirement in 2002. He played a key role in negotiating the merger and was named the first president of Unity Healthcare. Dr. James Schoonmaker, who had been CEO of Saint Joseph’s Hospital since 1994, also played a significant role in the merger and was appointed as one of the co-chief executive officers of Unity Healthcare.
Over the years, UnityPoint Health has continued to grow and expand its services through acquisitions and partnerships. In 2013, it merged with Allscripts, a leading provider of healthcare information technology solutions, to create a new healthcare IT company called Unity Point Health Solutions. This merger was led by Dr. McClure, who was named as the CEO of the new company.
In conclusion, UnityPoint Health was founded by the leaders of Mercy Medical Center and Saint Joseph’s Hospital in Des Moines, Iowa, who recognized the need for greater collaboration and coordination in the delivery of care to patients in the region. Dr. Kenneth McClure and Dr. James Schoonmaker played key roles in negotiating the merger and were named as the first co-chief executive officers of Unity Healthcare. The network has since continued to grow and expand its services through acquisitions and partnerships, with Dr. McClure leading many of these efforts.