The organizations began the transaction in June 2016.
Following the merger, both facilities held weekly transition meetings, which became more frequent as time went on. The clinics faced challenges during the transition including how to process contracts for owned and leased equipment, employment relationships and staffing analyses.
Roughly 90 percent of WCMC employees transitioned to VDFHC as part of the agreement, according to the article. Incoming staff were also required to undergo 12 to 16 hours of additional training as VDFHC converted its EHR system.
“Really it came down to this — we wanted the same things for our patients…We wanted to ensure the viability and long-term future of health of Webster City and Hamilton County,” said Lori Rathbun, CEO of VDFHC. “When you strip everything away and make that your goal, it kind of makes it easy to come together and remove barriers.”
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