MercyOne North Iowa Hospice celebrates 40 years of compassionate care

Mason City, Iowa – The sacred health care ministry of MercyOne North Iowa Medical Center is part of the social fabric in north central Iowa. Since being founded by the Sisters of Mercy, they have maintained a common focus. No matter the stage of life, or the ability to pay, every person is unique and deserving of personalized care that meets their needs. The care must be excellent – and provided with compassion and respect for the dignity of every patient.

From this foundation, with a dream of Ann McGregor and the support of north central Iowa communities, end-of-life care developed in 1981 to support and serve patients and their families. This care remains strong 40 years later, MercyOne North Iowa Hospice provides this care when and where it is needed most. Trained hospice colleagues are there to support patients and families with their emotional, physical and spiritual needs at the end of life.

MercyOne North Iowa Hospice serves Mason City and eight surrounding communities. Hospice care is a team approach with dedicated health care providers, the Hospice Board of Directors and volunteers all sharing ideas on how to provide the best care to our patients and their families.

The hospice philosophy accepts death as the final stage of life. It affirms life but does not try to hasten or postpone death. Hospice care treats the person and symptoms of the disease, rather than treating the disease itself. Our professionals and volunteers work together to manage symptoms so that a person’s last days may be spent with dignity and quality, surrounded by their loved ones. Hospice care is also family-centered and includes the patient and their family in making decisions. Every effort is made to provide care where patients find the most comfort. In many cases it can be at home – where familiar surroundings provide peace. Home-like settings also exist in care centers should a person’s clinical needs require more advanced care. Inpatient care at the Muse Norris Inpatient Unit offers state of the art care in a residential setting.

Patients and families say the physicians, colleagues and volunteers providing care at MercyOne North Iowa Hospice are one of the ministry’s most valuable resources. Colleagues say their patients are inspiring and they appreciate what they receive from them.

“Working as a hospice nurse, I get to know our patients and their families,” says Doreen Hanson, RN. “I love hearing stories about their lives and experiences. They often say these stories have not been shared for decades.” Doreen says the sharing of treasured memories is uplifting for everyone.

The experienced and compassionate hospice team work to provide personalized care, around-the-clock to meet the needs of their patients and families and plan to do so for many years in the future.

“We are so grateful for our colleagues at Hospice of North Iowa who are making such a positive difference in people’s lives at such a difficult time,” says MercyOne North Iowa Medical Center Chief Nursing Officer Kim Chamberlin. “Our colleagues and board members live by the philosophy of Dame Cicely Saunders – the founder of the first Hospice – who said, “You matter because of who you are. You matter to the last moment of your life, and we will do all we can, not only to help you die peacefully, but also to live until you die.”

Hospice care does not end at the death of a loved one, many services are available for families and children to deal with grieving process. To receive information about MercyOne North Iowa Hospice care, please contact us at (641) 428-6208.

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About MercyOne

MercyOne is a connected system of health care facilities and services dedicated to helping people and communities live their best life. MercyOne’s care providers and staff make health the highest priority. The system’s clinics, medical centers, hospitals and affiliates are located throughout the state of Iowa and beyond. Headquartered in central Iowa, MercyOne was founded in 1998 through a collaboration between CommonSpirit Health and Trinity Health – two of the country’s foremost, not-for-profit Catholic health organizations

Media contact


Angie Anstine


North Iowa Communications Lead


641-428-7245


angie.anstine@mercyhealth.com