UW Hospital reported a 4.1% operating margin last year, but had a net income loss of $15.5 million. UnityPoint Health-Meriter had a 3.0% margin and loss of $17 million.
Meriter’s loss reflects stock market investment losses and the rising costs of medical supplies, pharmaceuticals and staffing, spokesperson Nicole Aimone said. UW Hospital faced similar “financial headwinds,” spokesperson Sara Benzel said.