MercyOne Clinton Medical Center to transition labor and delivery services, add robotics and AirMed
March 27, 2026Clinton, Iowa; March 27, 2026 – Health care providers nationwide are facing significant challenges, including increasing costs, staffing shortages and reimbursement that does not cover the full cost of care. These pressures are combined with recent and expected government funding and policy changes across Medicaid and Medicare, reducing reimbursement to hospital systems. It is not possible to absorb these impacts without making thoughtful, forward looking adjustments to remain sustainable.
After thorough analysis, MercyOne Clinton Medical Center will transition labor and delivery services to other MercyOne birth centers in Dubuque, Davenport and Silvis. May 26 is the final day scheduled deliveries will be performed in Clinton.
Despite significant efforts over the past several years, MercyOne has been unable to maintain sustainable demand for labor and delivery services, as demographics and community needs evolve. Transitioning deliveries to nearby MercyOne birth centers will strengthen a regional, sustainable care model that enhances safety, reliability, and long-term access.
Patients will continue to have access to prenatal and women’s health services locally through MercyOne Clinton Medical Center and family practice/OB providers. Providers will work directly with patients to discuss delivery options and ensure a smooth and safe transition of care.
As we redesign care across the region, we are also investing in services that support long-term sustainability at MercyOne Clinton Medical Center. Growth initiatives include a new MRI machine, expanded convenient care, a da Vinci XI robotic surgical system, AirMed coverage, and expanded orthopedic and endocrinology services.
Guided by our Mission and Values, we will continue making decisions that support our Ministry and ensure access to safe, high-quality and compassionate care for the Clinton community—today and for generations to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
A: 80% of the services we provide are for Medicaid, Medicare and charity care patients. Recent and future government funding and policy changes, including Medicaid cuts, are projected to drive a $1.5 billion annual reduction in reimbursement for Trinity Health, Livonia.
A. Unfortunately, the challenges in health care extend beyond Medicaid cuts, including inadequate reimbursement, provider and clinical staffing shortages and escalating costs for drugs, supplies, equipment and technology. Also, despite significant efforts over the past several years, we’ve been unable to maintain a sustainable demand for labor and delivery services at MercyOne Clinton as demographics and community needs continue to shift.
Relocating these services to MercyOne Birth Centers in Dubuque, Silvis and Davenport supports a more regional and sustainable system of care that enhances long-term safety, reliability and access for the future.
A. Yes. We anticipate women in labor may present to the Emergency Department (ED). If this happens, a clinical assessment will be made by the MercyOne Clinton ED provider. If needed, appropriate transfer protocols will ensure continuity of care and patient safety. We will collaborate with local first responders, as well. We encourage all expectant mothers to have a delivery plan in place, which they can discuss with their provider.
MercyOne has Birth Centers in Dubuque and Davenport, Iowa and Silvis, Ill. Patients, depending on where they live in Clinton County, will determine the best option for their unique circumstances. Many Clinton County residents already utilize labor and delivery services in Dubuque, Davenport and Silvis and make this decision with their provider. Also, prenatal care and women’s health services will continue locally through MercyOne Clinton Medical Center and local family practice/OB providers.
A. May 26, 2026.
A. Providers will hold individual conversations with patients to review delivery plans and ensure a smooth, safe transition of care. Maintaining local access to prenatal care and women’s health services remains an important priority.
Human Resources is meeting individually with impacted colleagues and will assist in identifying available roles within MercyOne, including available positions at our other Birth Centers. Supporting colleagues with care, respect and transparency remains central to our Mission.
A. As we transition labor and delivery services, we are also investing in areas of growth at MercyOne Clinton Medical Center. This includes a new MRI machine, enhanced convenient care, expanded orthopedic and endocrinology services, a new AirMed ambulance service and the arrival this spring of a da Vinci XI robotic surgical system. We value our patients and our longstanding relationship with the Clinton community. This transition supports the long-term sustainability of high-quality care for families in the region.
A: We will not be participating in interviews at this time. Our focus is on continuing to care for our community and support people through this transition.
