(Radio Iowa) – The University of Iowa is one step closer to acquisition of the Mercy Hospital in Iowa City after the approval of bylaws that allow Mercy’s medical staff to continue practicing after the merger. U-I Vice President of Medical Affairs, Denise Jamieson says the acquisition will be completed on January 31st. She says they have been working to bring Mercy staff on board and welcome them to the U-I Hospitals and Clinics family.

She says U-I personnel will be at Mercy Iowa City starting on January 30th to help in the transition. The Board of Regents approved the staff bylaws in a meeting Wednesday. The U-I’s bid of 28 million dollars for Mercy Iowa City was approved by the bankruptcy court in October.