Cleveland-based MetroHealth System announced plans to open freestanding emergency departments in Cleveland Heights, Ohio, and Parma, Ohio, in place of the urgent services currently provided by HealthSpan Physicians, part of Cincinnati-based Mercy Health.
If the agreement is approved, HealthSpan will discontinue operating urgent care services in Cleveland Heights and Parma, and lease the spaces to MetroHealth to open the new EDs in early 2016. By shifting these locations to EDs, patients will have 24-hour access to a greater range of healthcare services and emergency care. These non-trauma center locations will work with the Northern Ohio Trauma System to make sure severely ill and injured patients receive the proper care.
The potential arrangement would not interrupt services: HealthSpan will continue to provide acute care until MetroHealth begins operations at the sites. HealthSpan Physicians will also continue to see patients at other locations.
"We are very pleased to bring our highly regarded emergency services to Cleveland Heights and Parma. In keeping with MetroHealth's mission, these facilities will be open to everyone, including those covered by HealthSpan, other private insurance, Medicare and Medicaid, as well as those who do not have insurance. Our primary goal is to enhance the overall health and well-being of our community," MetroHealth President and CEO Akram Boutros, MD, said in a statement.
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