Parkview Health System and UCHEalth have agreed to a partnership.

Pueblo, Colo. (October 11, 2022) – Parkview Health System and UCHEalth are pleased to announce that Parkview has signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) to join UCHEalth in 2023. In the LOI signed on October 7, both health care systems pledged to continue and strengthen. Health care services are currently available in Pueblo and throughout southern Colorado.

UCHEalth will invest nearly $200 million in the coming years to continue supporting Parkview’s nursing and clinical education programs, hiring new staff and stabilizing Parkview’s finances. UCHEalth’s investment includes a $5 million donation to the Parkview Foundation to establish a long-term fund to support patients, the community and the hospital.

“It’s no secret that the Parkview Health System has faced financial difficulties, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic. Among Colorado hospitals, Parkview has one of the highest percentages of patients covered by Medicare and Medicaid, with four out of five patients covered by state providers. This, coupled with the current economic climate, is challenging the hospital’s future,” said Leslie Barnes, president and CEO of Parkview Health System. “Joining UCHEalth will provide new resources and long-term stability for Parkview patients, staff, providers and the broader community, and will allow us to continue to care for the most vulnerable patients in our community.”

In addition to continuing the health services currently offered at Parkview, UCHEalth plans to develop advanced therapies and clinical trials in Pueblo. Care coordination may also allow more patients from Pueblo and southern Colorado to get the inpatient and outpatient care they need, closer to home.

UCHEalth, the state’s largest Medicaid provider, is also committed to continuing Parkview care for patients who have greater difficulty accessing health care. Parkview and UCHEalth share similar commitments to community benefits and compassionate care.

“UCHealth is honored that Parkview has chosen to join us, expanding the collaboration we began many years ago. We share the same missions and commitment to serving communities and providing high-quality care to patients.” “We look forward to building on the excellent care that Parkview’s 3,000 employees and providers provide today, ensuring the long-term stability of the hospital and its patients,” said Elizabeth B. Concordia, President and CEO of UchHealth.

“UCHealth was founded ten years ago, and in that time, the system has grown in many areas, from Greeley to Longmont, and from Steamboat Springs to Colorado Springs. In each of these areas, their hospitals and clinics have grown, increased staff and services, increased community benefits, and brought new and innovative treatments to patients. I expect the same for Parkview and all of Southern Colorado, and I look forward to continuing to grow the excellent medical care we offer our patients,” said Parkview Health System Board Chair Judy Fonda, Pueblo Business Owner.

Parkview employees, suppliers and leaders will remain in place, and their current benefits will continue into the future.

In the coming months, UCHEalth and Parkview will finalize their agreement, with an expected effective date of mid-2023. UCHEalth will share additional information with staff and the community during this time to ease the transition and answer their questions.