Des Moines, Iowa-based MercyOne has closed the behavioral health unit at its Clinton (Iowa) Medical Center, NBC affiliate KWQC reported Oct. 2.
In a statement shared with Becker's, Angela Ganzer-Bovitz, director of inpatient behavioral health at Mercy One Genesis said patients were not receiving the full spectrum of care at the unit.
"Their inpatient program had just one part-time social worker, and there were no specialized therapists like recreational therapists, which are common in an inpatient setting. Patients could only meet with a psychiatrist via video, so MercyOne decided to close the Clinton unit. Patients in crisis can still go to the emergency room in Clinton if they're having a mental health crisis," Ms. Ganzer-Bovitz said.
Genesis Health joined MercyOne in March 2023.
Ms. Ganzer-Bovitz said if patients at Clinton Medical Center need inpatient behavioral treatment, they will be transported by ambulance or secure van to another MercyOne location or other nearby inpatient units.
The inpatient behavioral unit had just five beds, a spokesperson told Becker's.
MercyOne is part of Livonia, Mich.-based Trinity Health.