Hunter
05/05/26
The University of Iowa’s new orthopedic hospital in North Liberty is reporting more inpatients and orthopedic clinic visits in its first years than originally expected.
The Gazette reports when the university went to the State Health Facilities Council in 2021 for permission to build the medical portion of the hospital, officials projected over 124,000 outpatient visits and nearly 1100 inpatient visits in its first year.
Numbers show those predictions were surprisingly low.
Patient numbers for the first 11 months show over 142,000 visits to the clinics, and over 2500 inpatient admissions for orthopedic care.
Dr. Denise Jamieson, Vice President of Medical Affairs and dean of the UI College of Medicine, says the North Liberty campus has delivered a level of access and convenience that’s brought patients from across the state.
The university is going ahead with a two-phase project that will build out the second floor for more operating rooms, and surgery, prep and recovery rooms. The second phase will build out the 4th floor for an additional 12 exam rooms and other amenities.