The Iowa Society of Anesthesiologists has retracted a public statement criticizing Des Moines-Iowa based MercyOne’s decision to change anesthesia providers at its central Iowa hospitals.
MercyOne had transitioned anesthesia services at its downtown Des Moines and West Des Moines locations to Vituity, a Emeryville,Calif.-based physician group May 31, following the end of its agreement with Medical Center Anesthesiologists.
The ISA initially accused MercyOne of facing staffing issues due to the change, but issued a formal apology on Sept. 23 to MercyOne, Trinity Health and Vituity, according to an Oct. 13 Des Moines Register report.
In the retraction, the organization acknowledged MercyOne’s commitment to a physician-led anesthesia model and said it aims to collaborate on future staffing models, according to the report.
MercyOne Chief Medical Officer Dennis Szurkus, Jr., MD, told the Register on Oct. 7 that the previous ISA statement misled the public and undermined care models used by hospitals across the state. He said MercyOne uses a physician-led, team-based model that includes certified registered nurse anesthetists to help ensure access to care, particularly in rural areas.
MercyOne, part of Livonia, Mich.-based Trinity Health, employs more than 20,000 people statewide.
Becker’s has reached out to both MercyOne and the Iowa Society of Anesthesiologists for comment and will update this story if more information becomes available.
