Estes Park Health to Join UCHealth November 1
Estes Park Health and its employees will officially become part of UCHealth on November 1, completing a partnership aimed at ensuring long-term financial stability for the mountain community's healthcare services.
The Park Hospital District and UCHealth finalized regulatory and contractual requirements for the affiliation, which was announced September 23. Public comment sessions held earlier this year cleared the way for the partnership to proceed.
"We're excited to have reached this milestone as partnering with UCHealth ensures the long-term stability of Estes Park Health and our ability to provide excellent health care to the residents of and visitors to the Estes Valley," said Vern Carda, CEO of Estes Park Health.
Financial Pressures Drive Partnership Decision
The partnership addresses significant financial challenges that threatened Estes Park Health's viability. The hospital reported negative operating margins for three of the past four years, according to Park Hospital District documents. Financial pressures forced the facility to eliminate services including inpatient pediatrics and maternity care.
The 57-year-old hospital district struggled with increased operational costs and reduced reimbursements from insurance companies and government payers. The Elizabeth Knutsson Memorial Hospital, as it was originally named when dedicated in 1975, has served the Estes Valley since voters established the Park Hospital District in 1968.
Voters authorized the hospital district to pursue affiliation in 2023 after district officials outlined the financial difficulties threatening continued operations.
Employee Transition and Patient Care Continuity
All current Estes Park Health employees will become UCHealth employees on November 1. Both organizations committed to minimizing disruptions to patient care during the transition.
"The close collaboration between UCHealth and EPH has been beneficial for decades. Through floods, wildfires, a pandemic and financial challenges, we have worked together to maintain access to excellent health care," said Kevin Unger, president and CEO of UCHealth's northern Colorado region.
The partnership builds on existing collaborative relationships between the organizations that date back decades. During previous crises including the 2013 floods and recent wildfires, UCHealth and Estes Park Health coordinated emergency responses and shared healthcare resources.
UCHealth operates major facilities in Larimer County including Poudre Valley Hospital and Medical Center of the Rockies, providing emergency care, surgery, oncology, cardiology and other specialized services across northern Colorado.
Regulatory Approval Process
The partnership required approval from Colorado state regulatory agencies including review by the Colorado Attorney General's office under state hospital district statutes. The Park Hospital District held public meetings on May 8 and May 15 to discuss the proposed partnership and gather community input before proceeding.
The completion of regulatory approvals and contractual work in recent weeks allowed both organizations to set the November 1 effective date.
"While positive changes will begin to occur at EPH and for our employees and providers with new benefits and other options, our focus remains on our patients," Carda said. "Estes Park is a special place, and I want to commend our staff and providers for their dedication to caring for this community."
Estes Park Health serves residents and visitors to the Estes Valley, providing emergency services, inpatient care, surgical services and outpatient clinics. The facility has undergone several expansions since opening, including a major renovation in 2007 following a $25 million bond issue approved by district voters.