Estes Park Health (EPH) has signed a letter of intent to join the UCHealth system in 2025.

The partnership is expected to bring significant improvements to EPH’s services, with UCHealth committing to invest more than $30 million into the hospital and the local community over the coming years. The move aims to strengthen healthcare offerings in the Estes Valley and ensure long-term financial stability for the hospital.

EPH CEO Vern Carda emphasized the importance of this agreement, stating, “We recognize the hospital’s future is stronger by joining a Colorado-based health system.” EPH serves both residents of Estes Valley and visitors to Rocky Mountain National Park, but the hospital has struggled in recent years with rising expenses, cuts to reimbursements from Medicare and Medicaid, and the need to reduce or transfer services such as obstetrics and hospice care.
UCHealth plans to help stabilize EPH’s operations and expand access to services, particularly virtual health and behavioral health programs. Kevin Unger, president of UCHealth’s northern Colorado region, said the partnership will allow the hospital to continue providing high-quality care while supporting its 320 employees and providers. “We look forward to welcoming Estes Park Health’s staff and offering additional resources for the community,” Unger said.

In 2023, more than 80% of Park Hospital District voters supported EPH joining a larger health system. UCHealth, which has long partnered with EPH for specialty care, will continue working closely with the hospital during the transition. The final agreement is expected to be completed by spring 2025.

EPH's partnership with UCHealth comes at a time when many rural hospitals face financial strain. By joining forces, the two organizations hope to ensure access to high-quality care for Estes Valley residents and the surrounding region.

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