Mercer County OKs Nursing Home Sale To Genesis

This week, the Mercer County Board approved the sale of the Mercer County Nursing Home for $2.25 million to Genesis Health System.

The board’s 7-to-3 vote on Monday paves the way for the sale of the nursing home and transfer of assets and liabilities. Closing on the nursing home, and transfer of its ownership, is expected to occur Sept. 1, said Ted Rogalski, Administrator of Mercer County Hospital.

Genesis plans to make more than $1 million in improvements to the nursing home, including remodeling the 40-year-old residents’ rooms and investing capital needed for federally mandated computer systems required by Medicare. It will also begin turnaround efforts to correct the nursing home’s negative operating performance over the past six years, including a loss of $312,320 last fiscal year.

Monday’s vote also means Genesis will move with assuming ownership of Mercer County Hospital and making $11.5 million in capital improvements to modernize the facility and meet mandated code requirements. The adjoining Mercer County Hospital was established in 1966.

“We look forward to serving the health needs of Mercer County for many years to come,” Rogalski said. “Throughout our relationship here, we have focused on the goal of continuing to provide high quality, compassionate care to hospital patients and nursing home residents.”

“Genesis appreciates the support of the County Board, the Hospital Board and the residents of Mercer County,” he added, “I also want to recognize the patience and support of all the employees as we have worked through this process. We believe this vote secures a solid future for Mercer County Hospital and Mercer County Nursing Home.”

Genesis has been managing the hospital since 2009. Last year, the Davenportbased health system also entered into a temporary management agreement with the nursing home.

“Combining the operations of these two organizations will best serve the community with a unified system of health care that will position us well for future success,” Rogalski said.

In a March 20 referendum, Mercer County voters overwhelmingly supported the nursing home’s sale. The issue then required Monday’s two-thirds final approval by the county board.

Genesis currently has two nursing homes that are known for quality care. Westwing Place, adjacent to Genesis Medical Center, DeWitt, has been named a Top 100 nursing home by U.S. News & World Report. Illini Restorative Care, located on the Genesis Medical Center, Illini Campus in Silvis, has achieved 5-star overall ratings from Nursing Home Compare.