Genesis originally consisted of two hospitals that joined on May 24, 1994, to form the system. The two founding hospitals were Mercy Hospital and St. Luke's Hospital, both in Davenport, Iowa. Mercy was founded by the Sisters of Mercy in response to an influenza outbreak in the area in 1869. Today, Genesis operates a total of five hospitals and manages Jackson County Regional Health Center in Maquoketa, IA.
Mercy Hospital
Established by Mother Mary Borromeo Johnson and the Sisters of Mercy, Mercy Hospital received its first patient on Dec. 7, 1869. In 1872, St. Elizabeth's Hospital for the Mentally Ill was opened adjacent to Mercy Hospital. Because of the 1918 flu pandemic, Mercy Hospital was forced to open an extension in Turner Hall in order to accommodate the ill. In 1924, Mercy Hospital was one of the first hospitals accredited by the American College of Surgeons. In 1932, a new wing was opened at Mercy Hospital. In 1954, a new facility replaced the original building. The idea to merge Mercy Hospital and St. Luke's was introduced in 1973, but was initially rejected. Another new Mercy Hospital was constructed 1978, with the construction of medical office buildings following just two years later in 1980. In order to fit the needs of a growing patient population, Mercy Hospital announced plans to expand again in 1987. In 1993, the boards of St. Luke's and Mercy Hospital agreed to merge. The merger was completed in 1994.
St. Luke's Hospital
Founded in 1893 at the corner of 8th and Main Street in Davenport, St. Luke's Hospital mainly acted as an emergency care facility. In 1914, St. Luke's relocated to East Rusholme Street, the current location of Genesis Medical Center, East Campus. In 1951 and again in 1964, additions to the new St. Luke's facility were completed.
St. Elizabeth's Fire
On 7 January 1950, a fire destroyed St. Elizabeth's Hospital for the Mentally Ill, killing 41 individuals and injuring 24 others, the majority of which were patients. According to most sources, the fire was caused by Elnora "Ellie" Epperly, a 23-year-old patient who, believing that her husband was in trouble and that she needed to escape, lit curtains with a cigarette lighter. Initially charged with murder, Elnora Epperly never faced trial after an inquest ruled that she was insane and thus not responsible for her actions. After spending the next several months in an Illinois hospital, Ellie was released into the custody of her husband, John. Now the location of Genesis Medical Center, West Central Park, a small cemetery has been erected in honor of those who died as a result of St. Elizabeth's fire. Sixteen of the 41 victims are buried at the site.
Locations
Genesis Medical Center, Davenport
Consisting of two different campuses, the East and West locations operate within relation to one another, combining approximately 450 physicians, 3,100 staff members and 1,000 volunteers. Both facilities offer a number of services including emergency room care, physical therapy, and diagnostic imaging. In December 2013, Genesis announced a $138.5 million expansion to add a new hospital tower to its East campus to integrate certain medical services onto one campus. The project is expected to be completed in 2017.
Genesis Medical Center, Silvis
Genesis Medical Center, Silvis Campus is a 150-bed, full-service, acute care medical center, providing both inpatient and outpatient services while maintaining a level II trauma center. Like the East campus in Davenport, the facility also features a birthing unit.
Genesis Medical Center, DeWitt
Opened in 1952, DeWitt offers a variety of both inpatient and outpatient services, contrary to the fact that it is considered a rural hospital. In 2012, DeWitt was given the "Summit Award" by Press Ganey Associates, a merit that recognizes hospitals that have sustained the highest level of customer satisfaction for three or more consecutive years.
Genesis Medical Center, Aledo
Having joined the health system in 2013, Aledo is a 22-bed, critical access hospital. Because it is the only hospital in the county, the facility offers a number of outpatient and inpatient services, including emergency room care.
Genesis Health Group
Genesis Health Group is a regional network of physicians and primary care providers who are associated with Genesis Health System. There are over 160 associated physicians and 40 offices within Genesis Health Group, serving a similar area to what is served by Genesis Health System.
HealthPlex
HealthPlex is a format used by Genesis doctors offices. They offer a variety of services ranging from urgent care, family doctors, and labs, among others.
