Senator Ernst, Senator Grassley, staff of Governor Reynolds and Iowa Workforce Development visit MercyOne’s Virtually Integrated Care Center, discuss health care workforce needs

Des Moines -- MercyOne hosted Senator Chuck Grassley, Senator Joni Ernst, staff of Governor Kim Reynolds and Iowa Workforce Development the week of August 23. MercyOne’s Virtually Integrated Care team discussed the progress, current state and future of our virtual care model program with the lawmakers, specifically how it could help nurses and care teams to reduce workloads, improve team engagement and increase patient safety and experience.

Due to the progression of the program during the COVID-19 pandemic, this innovation has been expanded to include the ICU and the 7 North and 7 South floors of MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center. To further develop this program, MercyOne leaders have called upon Iowa’s legislative leaders to offer their support.

During their visit, MercyOne outlined the backstory behind the program, toured the facility, and hosted a question and answer session with the guests. As an added bonus, the senators and governor’s staff were able to connect one-on-one with MercyOne virtual nurses and patients on the other side of the screen. The patients spoke highly of the program, discussing how virtual care has positively impacted their hospital stay.

Overall, the group discussed the future of virtually integrated care at MercyOne and how it impacts patient experience, nurse retention and innovation. Our team highlighted the need for support for health care workers as well as additional support and innovations to meet the hiring shortages.

###

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:


Kassi Hoxmeier


MercyOne, Division Director of Communications


515-358-9231


khoxmeier@mercydesmoines.org