DES MOINES, Iowa — MercyOne will soon officially end gynecological oncology surgical services, leaving The Iowa Clinic as the only central Iowa facility for patients to seek treatment at.
Local 5 first brought you this story on May 15, when MercyOne first announced its plans to cease gynecological oncology surgical services by June 1.
Gynecological oncology surgical services deal with cancer of the female reproductive system, including operations like hysterectomies, debunking surgeries for ovarian cancer and removal of lymph nodes.
MercyOne said the high cost of a temporary physician combined with the inability to recruit a specialty physician after a two-year search led to the decision to end these services.
And on June 1, patients seeking treatment or being treated at MercyOne for this specialized care will now have to transition elsewhere.
The hospital system has assisted the past few months making sure any patients who need long-term surgical follow-ups will be able to receive care at The Iowa Clinic or at the University of Iowa.
Dr. Jennifer Olson, the president of MercyOne Medical Group, told Local 5 most of MercyOne's gynecological oncology patients have not needed long-term surgical follow-up.
"We are dedicated to giving high-quality, high-performing patient care," Olson said. "We are here for anyone and everyone in our community."
MercyOne also added its Richard Deming Cancer Center, including integrative cancer care and radiation oncology, will not be impacted by this move.