Nebraska Medicine

Nebraska Medicine's predecessor company, Nebraska Health System (NHS), was formed in 1997 through the merger of Bishop Clarkson Memorial Hospital and University Hospital.{{cite web |url=https://www.nebraskamed.com/about-us/nebraska-medicine-history |title=History of Nebraska Medicine |publisher=Nebraska Medicine |access-date=2010-01-04}} Adjacent to the University of Nebraska's medical campus in midtown Omaha;{{cite news |url=https://www.omaha.com/livewellnebraska/nebraska-medicine-s-new-million-lauritzen-outpatient-center-has-patient/article_4627dfd1-2b1f-5efe-9e3f-f8d3fdb0475c.html |title=Nebraska Medicine's new $71 million Lauritzen Outpatient Center has patient ease in mind |last=Anderson |first=Julie |date=2016-12-15 |publisher=Omaha World-Herald |access-date=2020-01-02}} both founding entities had been active in Nebraska for some time. Clarkson Hospital had been founded in 1869 and University Hospital in 1917, making Nebraska Health System the oldest healthcare organization in the state of Nebraska. In 1998, Nebraska Health System opened the Lied Transplant Center on its Omaha campus.

Nebraska Health System was renamed The Nebraska Medical Center in 2003, with the adjacent University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) remaining its primary clinical partner.{{cite web |url=https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/lists/100-great-hospitals-in-america-2019.html |title=100 great hospitals in America |date=2019-04-12|newspaper=Beckers Hospital Review |access-date=2020-01-06}} UNMC had been founded in 1881 as the Omaha Medical College before associating with the University of Nebraska system. In 2005, The Nebraska Medical Center opened the Nebraska Biocontainment Unit (NBU) as a collaboration with UNMC, also opening the Hixson-Lied Center on the Omaha campus. The Nebraska Medical Center's nearby Village Pointe Cancer Center opened in 2008. Nebraska Medicine was named one of the best hospitals in U.S. News & World Report’s 2008 publication for Cancer and Neurology & Neurosurgery. In 2010, The Nebraska Medical Center opened Bellevue Medical Center, a secondary hospital in nearby Bellevue, Sarpy County. The following year, the company began to implement a new $87 million electronic health record system.{{cite web |url=https://www.hcinnovationgroup.com/clinical-it/news/13026314/nebraska-medicine-receives-stage-7-recognition |title=Nebraska Medicine Receives Stage 7 Recognition |last=Landi |first=Heather |date=2016-02-03 |website=HC Innovation Group |access-date=2020-01-07}}

In October 2014, it was announced that The Nebraska Medical Center, Bellevue Medical Center and UNMC Physicians would begin operating under Nebraska Medicine as one entity. UNMC Physicians, a clinical group formed in 1971, brought 39 ambulatory clinics and a physician's practice into Nebraska Medicine. The hospitals and clinics within the Nebraska Medicine network were also renamed, as Nebraska Medicine – Nebraska Medical Center, Bellevue Medical Center, Village Pointe Health Center, Eagle Run Health Center, and others.{{Cite web |title=Locations {{!}} Nebraska Medicine Omaha, NE |url=https://www.nebraskamed.com/search/locations |access-date=2025-07-09 |website=www.nebraskamed.com}} UNMC remained independent, but changed its branding to reflect the new Nebraska Medicine logo.{{cite news |url=https://www.omaha.com/sarpy/bellevue/bellevue-medical-center-gets-new-name-logo/article_cf7c34bb-531e-5689-9ebf-482ed81c6061.html |title=Bellevue Medical Center gets new name, logo|last=Curtain |first=Eugene |date=2014-10-15 |website=Omaha.com|publisher=Omaha World-Herald |access-date=2020-01-02}}

During September to December 2014, Nebraska Medicine became central to treating Ebola patients evacuated from Africa during the West African outbreak, utilizing its Biocontainment Unit. Nebraska Medical Center was then one of the few biocontainment units in the U.S.{{Cite news |last=Mervosh |first=Sarah |date=2020-02-18 |title=First Ebola, Now Coronavirus. Why an Omaha Hospital Gets the Toughest Cases. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/02/18/us/coronavirus-omaha-nebraska-medical-center.html |access-date=2025-07-09 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}} covered by media outlets; two American patients who had contracted the virus while working in West Africa were treated successfully, then discharged: journalist Ashoka Mukpo{{Cite news |last=Neuman |first=Scott |date=2014-10-06 |title=Why Ebola Patients Are Getting Treatment In Nebraska |url=https://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2014/10/06/354083214/why-ebola-patients-are-getting-treatment-in-nebraska |access-date=2025-07-09 |work=NPR |language=en}} and missionary doctor Rick Sacra.{{Cite news |title=U.S. Doctor Didn't Treat Ebola Patients Yet Still Caught The Virus |url=http://www.npr.org/blogs/goatsandsoda/2014/09/03/345535069/u-s-doctor-didnt-treat-ebola-patients-yet-still-caught-the-virus |access-date=2025-07-09 |work=NPR.org |language=en}} A third patient, Sierra Leonean surgeon Martin Salia, a permanent U.S. resident who had contracted the virus while treating patients during the Ebola virus epidemic in Sierra Leone, died from the illness.{{Cite web |date=2014-11-17 |title=Physician With Ebola Taken to Nebraska Over Weekend Dies |url=https://www.wltx.com/article/news/health/physician-with-ebola-taken-to-nebraska-over-weekend-dies/101-298276945 |access-date=2025-07-09 |website=wltx.com |language=en-US}}

On March 23, 2015, Rosanna Morris was named interim CEO of Nebraska Medicine{{cite web |url=https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/hospital-management-administration/5-questions-with-rosanna-morris-interim-ceo-of-nebraska-medicine.html |title=5 questions with Rosanna Morris, interim CEO of Nebraska Medicine |date=2015-09-15|publisher=Becker's Hospital Review|access-date=2020-01-07}} and Bradley Britigan was made interim president. Daniel DeBehnke succeeded as CEO and president in May 2016.{{cite web |url=https://journalstar.com/news/local/education/nebraska-medicine-names-new-ceo/article_15aa1241-45fe-5682-bd6f-e2c43a55c68e.html |title=Nebraska Medicine names new CEO |last=Dunker |first=Chris |date=2016-05-16|website=Journalstar.com|publisher=Lincoln Journal-Star|access-date=2020-01-02}} In 2016, Nebraska Medicine finished an expansion of its Village Pointe location, expanding on an outpatient surgery center and clinics.{{cite news |url=https://www.omaha.com/livewellnebraska/nebraska-medicine-s-new-million-lauritzen-outpatient-center-has-patient/article_4627dfd1-2b1f-5efe-9e3f-f8d3fdb0475c.html |title=Nebraska Medicine's new $71 million Lauritzen Outpatient Center has patient ease in mind |last=Anderson |first=Julie |date=2016-12-15 |website=Omaha.com|publisher=Omaha World-Herald |access-date=2020-01-03}}

Nebraska Medicine paid $130 million in January 2016 to fully purchase Bellevue Medical Center, which it had previously been leasing. At the time, Nebraska Medicine also was partial owner of the Nebraska Orthopaedic Hospital in Omaha.{{cite news |url=https://www.omaha.com/livewellnebraska/health/nebraska-medicine-buys-bellevue-hospital-it-leased/article_83f486cf-ecb3-54de-b9fc-a72479139c75.html |title=Nebraska Medicine buys Bellevue hospital it leased|last=Ruggles |first=Rick |date=2016-01-16 |website=Omaha.com|publisher=Omaha World-Herald |access-date=2020-01-02}} In February 2016, Nebraska Medicine reached Stage 7 on the Electronic Medical Record Adoption Model (EMRAM) developed by HIMSS Analytics. In 2016, Nebraska Medicine finished an expansion of its Village Pointe location, expanding on an outpatient surgery center and clinics.{{cite news |url=https://www.omaha.com/livewellnebraska/nebraska-medicine-s-new-million-lauritzen-outpatient-center-has-patient/article_4627dfd1-2b1f-5efe-9e3f-f8d3fdb0475c.html |title=Nebraska Medicine's new $71 million Lauritzen Outpatient Center has patient ease in mind |last=Anderson |first=Julie |date=2016-12-15 |website=Omaha.com|publisher=Omaha World-Herald |access-date=2020-01-02}} After physicians at Internal Medical Associates requested the merge, in July 2016, Nebraska Medicine assumed operations of Internal Medical Associates in Grand Island, Nebraska.{{cite news |url=https://www.theindependent.com/news/local/nebraska-medicine-to-assume-operations-of-internal-medical-associates/article_41ec8bfe-f515-11e5-80f5-8f56f3eb0bc2.html |title=Nebraska Medicine to assume operations of Internal Medical Associates |date=2016-03-28|publisher=TheIndependent.com The Grand Island Independent |access-date=2020-01-05}}

In January 2017, Nebraska Medicine announced that it would open Chalco Health Center in Chalco, as a primary care clinic and its fourth immediate care location, at which point it had around 40 clinic locations. That May, Nebraska Medicine opened the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, a partly public partnership with various state and county investors.{{cite news |url=https://www.omaha.com/money/nebraska-medicine-will-be-adding-hospital-facility-charges-starting-june/article_2dd3408f-2fb7-5eb0-ad75-28727cc3a2cb.html|title=Nebraska Medicine will be adding hospital, facility charges starting June 13|last=Anderson |first=Julie |date=2017-05-27 |website=Omaha.com|publisher=Omaha World-Herald |access-date=2020-01-02}} In September 2017, Nebraska Medicine closed its burn unit due to reduced patient volume. Opened in 1995, the unit had treated 100 burn patients annually.{{cite news |url=https://www.omaha.com/livewellnebraska/burn-unit-at-nebraska-medical-center-to-close-next-month/article_4a2ec73c-834e-11e7-bc18-c7b7d547895b.html |title=Bellevue Medical Center gets new name, logo|date=2017-08-18|website=Omaha.com|publisher=Omaha World-Herald |access-date=2020-01-02}} In August 2018, James Linder was appointed CEO.{{cite web |url=https://www.3newsnow.com/news/local-news/nebraska-medicine-names-new-ceo |title=Nebraska Medicine names new CEO |date=2018-08-08 |website=3Newsnow |publisher=KMTV |access-date=2020-01-02}} Nebraska Medicine and UNMC sent a team of infectious disease experts to Uganda in September 2018 to train local healthcare workers.{{cite news|url= https://www.omaha.com/livewellnebraska/unmc-nebraska-medicine-team-training-ugandan-health-care-workers-screening/article_1754dbf8-2527-5a2f-81ba-e9694b1fa052.html|title=UNMC, Nebraska Medicine team training Ugandan health-care workers screening for Ebola|last=Anderson |first=Julie |date=2018-10-03 |website=Omaha.com|publisher=Omaha World-Herald |access-date=2020-01-02}} At that time, Nebraska Medicine was also "working with several Nebraska hospitals to help implement electronic medical records." Nebraska Medicine had previously provided regional laboratory services to local hospitals, since 1998, also maintaining related records.{{cite web |url=https://www.Omaha.com/livewellnebraska/nebraska-medicine-replaces-ceo-picks-new-leader-familiar-in-state/article_d80db4d6-bc32-5059-8288-e735a239a7ca.html |title=Nebraska Medicine replaces CEO, picks new leader familiar in state's medical circles |last=Anderson |first=Julie |date=August 8, 2018 |publisher=Omaha.com |newspaper=Omaha World-Herald |access-date=2020-01-05}}

In 2018, the Nebraska Medicine network had 809 licensed beds. In 2018, Elkhorn Health Center, as well as a new building for Fontenelle Health Center, opened.{{cite news|url=https://www.omaha.com/livewellnebraska/health/nebraska-medicine-plans-new-clinic-in-elkorn-area/article_d9a0cde9-f685-5f11-9201-e3110b0ab1a7.html |title=North Omaha Nebraska Medicine clinic won't move far to add space and hours |last=Anderson |first=Julie |date=2018-03-22|publisher=Omaha.com |access-date=2020-01-05}} Nebraska Medicine moved its Clarkson Family Medicine Clinic to a larger building in downtown Omaha,{{cite news |url=https://www.omaha.com/livewellnebraska/health/nebraska-medicine-will-move-clarkson-clinic-to-downtown-omaha-this/article_e83acc84-28e7-5dfb-91db-bcdf0ef5af75.html |title=Nebraska Medicine will move Clarkson clinic to downtown Omaha this fall|last=Anderson |first=Julie |date=2018-07-17 |website=Omaha.com|publisher=Omaha World-Herald |access-date=2020-01-02}} also performing the first bloodless stem cell transplant in the state.{{cite web |url=https://www.ketv.com/article/nebraska-medicine-performs-first-ever-bloodless-stem-cell-transplant-on-jehovahs-witness/22868461 |title=Nebraska Medicine performs first ever bloodless stem cell transplant on Jehovah's Witness |last=Barth |first=Taylor |date=2018-09-03 |website=KETV.com |publisher=KETV Omaha |access-date= 2020-01-02}} By 2019, some Nebraska Medicine hospital rooms featured virtual reality headsets to teach patients about procedures.{{cite web |url=https://www.3newsnow.com/news/local-news/nebraska-medicine-using-virtual-reality-help-patients |title=Nebraska Medicine using virtual reality for patients |last=Mauro |first=Erik |date=March 27, 2019|publisher=KMTV |access-date=2020-01-05}} Nebraska Medicine served as an organizer of the Flood Relief Donation Management Center that March,{{cite web |url=http://kticradio.com/regional-news/flood-relief-center-established-by-unmc-nebraska-medicine-uno-2/ |title=Flood Relief Center Established by UNMC/Nebraska Medicine, UNO |date=March 25, 2019 |website=KTICradio.com |publisher=KTIC |access-date=2020-01-06 |archive-date=2019-03-26 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190326151102/http://kticradio.com/regional-news/flood-relief-center-established-by-unmc-nebraska-medicine-uno-2/ |url-status=dead }} collecting donated items from corporations to help with relief efforts for flooding in Nebraska. Nebraska Medicine was awarded the "Nebraska's Safest Companies" award from the Nebraska chapter of the National Safety Council, in 2019.{{cite web |url=https://www.nebraskamed.com/about-us/awards |title=Awards |website=Nebraskamed.com |publisher=Nebraska Medicine |access-date=2020-01-06}} In June 2019, Nebraska Medicine was also named the best employer in Nebraska by Forbes.{{cite web |url=https://www.forbes.com/best-employers-by-state/#7aefde13487a |title=America's Best Employers By State |last=Valet |first=Vicky |date=June 5, 2019 |work=Forbes |access-date=2020-01-06}} In December 2019, Nebraska Medicine announced it was planning a new facility{{cite web|url=https://apnews.com/article/3beba947b51770ab1aa377aae86e3414|title=UNMC, Nebraska Medicine planning new $1-$2B building project|publisher=Associated Press|date=December 6, 2019|access-date=November 8, 2020}} to increase capacity for research and patient care,{{cite web|url=https://www.ketv.com/article/unmc-expected-to-announce-major-project-aimed-at-handling-high-risk-large-scale-disasters/30138998|title=Nebraska Medicine and UNMC unveil plans for new facility that may cost up to $2 billion|publisher=KETV7|date=December 5, 2019|access-date=November 8, 2020}} as well as "handle not only high-risk biological hazards like Ebola, but also chemical, radioactive, and environmental hazards." Dubbed the NExt project for "Nebraska Transformational Towers,"{{cite news|url=https://journalstar.com/news/local/unmc-nebraska-medicine-unveil-plans-for-2b-project-in-omaha/article_60e39213-37ce-5c3d-9dcb-f2f7cdb0a7c6.html|title=UNMC, Nebraska Medicine unveil plans for $2B project in Omaha|work=Lincoln Journal Star|author=Chris Dunker|date=December 5, 2019|access-date=November 8, 2020}} the project will involve several towers on the northwest corner of the medical center campus, with a cost of between $1 and $2 billion.

During the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, in February 2020, Nebraska Medicine partnered with the federal government to evacuate Americans in Wuhan, China.{{Cite web|url=https://www.kgfw.com/2020/02/06/nebraska-medicine-unmc-partner-with-federal-government-to-monitor-american-citizens-returning-from-china/|title=Nebraska Medicine/UNMC partner with federal government to monitor American citizens returning from China|publisher=KGFW|date=February 6, 2020|access-date=October 30, 2020|archive-date=November 8, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108141726/https://www.kgfw.com/2020/02/06/nebraska-medicine-unmc-partner-with-federal-government-to-monitor-american-citizens-returning-from-china/|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=https://omaha.com/livewellnebraska/no-symptoms-of-coronavirus-57-evacuees-from-wuhan-healthy-and-settling-in-at-camp-ashland/article_60e31f33-63e6-599d-966c-d316a389bd81.html|title=No symptoms of coronavirus: 57 evacuees from Wuhan healthy and settling in at Camp Ashland|work=Omaha World-Herald|date=February 10, 2020|access-date=30 October 2020}}{{cite news|url=https://journalstar.com/news/state-and-regional/nebraska/plane-with-quarantined-china-passengers-arrives-in-nebraska/article_937260c1-ec65-5bec-8502-fc0f643bcbb4.html|title=Plane with quarantined China passengers arrives in Nebraska|work=Lincoln Journal Star|date=February 7, 2020|access-date=October 31, 2020}} 57 evacuees were quarantined in Camp Ashland, with Nebraska Medicine on standby to treat patients who developed symptoms. One patient was tested for a cough at the Nebraska Medical Center campus, but tested negative for COVID-19.{{cite news|url=https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/nebraska/articles/2020-02-20/evacuees-prepare-to-leave-quarantine-at-nebraska-guard-camp|title=57 Leave Quarantine at Guard Camp, Head to Omaha Airport|work=US News|date=February 20, 2020|access-date=October 30, 2020}} Later that month, Nebraska Medicine was involved in training personnel and then testing and transporting American evacuees from the Diamond Princess cruise ship in Japan.{{cite news|url=https://www.ketv.com/article/we-treated-the-entire-ship-as-a-hot-zone-unmc-doctor-helped-evacuate-americans-on-cruise-ship/31006864|title='We treated the entire ship as a hot zone': UNMC doctor helped evacuate Americans on cruise ship|publisher=KETV|author=Emily Tencer|date=February 19, 2020|access-date=October 31, 2020}}{{cite news|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2020/02/17/health/nebraska-coronavirus-unmc/index.html|title=Nebraska's specialized medical care has handled Ebola. Now it's taking on the novel coronavirus|publisher=CNN|author=Jen Christensen|date=February 18, 2020|access-date=October 31, 2020}} With 14 evacuees testing positive,{{cite news|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/evacuation-of-diamond-princess-set-off-race-for-u-s-hospital-beds-11582219636|title=Evacuation of Diamond Princess Set Off Race for U.S. Hospital Beds|work=The Wall Street Journal|author=Melanie Evans|date=February 20, 2020}} mildly ill patients were placed in the National Quarantine Unit (NQU) and sicker patients placed in the Nebraska Biocontainment Unit (NBU), both on Nebraska Medicine's medical campus,{{cite journal|title=Aerosol and surface contamination of SARS-CoV-2 observed in quarantine and isolation care|journal=Nature|date=July 29, 2020|doi=10.1038/s41598-020-69286-3 |last1=Santarpia |first1=Joshua L. |last2=Rivera |first2=Danielle N. |last3=Herrera |first3=Vicki L. |last4=Morwitzer |first4=M. Jane |last5=Creager |first5=Hannah M. |last6=Santarpia |first6=George W. |last7=Crown |first7=Kevin K. |last8=Brett-Major |first8=David M. |last9=Schnaubelt |first9=Elizabeth R. |last10=Broadhurst |first10=M. Jana |last11=Lawler |first11=James V. |last12=Reid |first12=St. Patrick |last13=Lowe |first13=John J. |volume=10 |issue=1 |page=12732 |pmid=32728118 |pmc=7391640 |bibcode=2020NatSR..1012732S }} each with specialized facilities and advanced protocols.

By February 20, 11 of the 13 evacuees treated by Nebraska Medicine were confirmed to have COVID-19,{{cite web|url=https://fox42kptm.com/news/local/cdc-confirms-11-of-13-people-at-nebraska-medicine-have-coronavirus|title=CDC: confirms 11 of 13 people at Nebraska Medicine have coronavirus|publisher=KPTM|author=Taleisha Newbill|date=February 21, 2020|access-date=November 1, 2020}}{{cite web|url=https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/nih-clinical-trial-remdesivir-treat-covid-19-begins|title=NIH clinical trial of remdesivir to treat COVID-19 begins|publisher=National Institutes of Health|date=February 25, 2020|access-date=November 1, 2020}} with 10 people in the quarantine unit and 3 in the biocontainment unit. Performing a study in both units, Nebraska Medicine found high levels of the virus on surfaces and in the air of rooms of COVID-19 patients, providing "evidence that the disease might spread by both direct contact, as well as indirect contact, such as touching a contaminated object, or contracting the virus through airborne transmission"{{cite web|url=https://www.ketv.com/article/nebraska-medicine-study-suggests-covid-19-patients-easily-contaminate-their-surroundings/31969621|title=Nebraska Medicine study suggests COVID-19 patients likely contaminate their surroundings|publisher=KETV|date=March 30, 2020|access-date=November 1, 2020}} as an aerosol.{{cite news|url=https://journalstar.com/lifestyles/health-med-fit/unmc-study-gives-more-indication-of-airborne-transmission-of-coronavirus/article_4a08b9e6-bd53-5a2a-a16a-7ccf26f5cdcf.html|title= UNMC study gives more indication of airborne transmission of coronavirus|work=Lincoln Journal Star|author=JoAnne Young|date=March 29, 2020|access-date=November 1, 2020}}

It was announced on March 7, 2020, that Nebraska Medicine's Biocontainment Unit was treating the first travel-related COVID-19 patient in Nebraska, a woman who had returned from England to Douglas County.{{cite web|url=http://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Updates-on-Nebraska%E2%80%99s-First-Case-of-Coronavirus-Disease-2019.aspx|title=Updates on Nebraska's First Case of Coronavirus Disease 2019|publisher=Nebraska Department of Health & Human Services|date=March 7, 2020|access-date=November 2, 2020}} On March 12, 2020, all Nebraska Medicine-related travel for faculty, providers, and students was suspended immediately to "slow the progression of COVID-19 in our community and protect our patients, families and each other from infection with COVID-19," with the policy to be reassessed every one to two months.{{cite web|url=https://www.unmc.edu/news.cfm?match=25214|title=Travel restrictions for Nebraska Medicine and UNMC|publisher=UNMC|date=March 12, 2020|access-date=November 2, 2020}} Several days later Nebraska Medicine began rescheduling non-urgent procedures due to the pandemic,{{Cite news|url=https://www.3newsnow.com/news/coronavirus/several-local-hospitals-postponing-non-urgent-surgeries-due-to-covid-19|title=Several local hospitals postponing non-urgent surgeries due to COVID-19|publisher=3 News Now|author=Danielle Meadows|date=March 18, 2020|access-date=November 2, 2020}} and on March 26, Nebraska Medicine announced it was restricting visitors at its hospitals and clinics.{{cite web|url=https://omaha.com/livewellnebraska/nebraska-medicine-to-limit-visitors-effective-friday/article_0dcac1eb-f944-54b7-9cdb-825b756ff958.html|title= Nebraska Medicine to limit visitors effective Friday|publisher=Omaha.com|author=Nancy Gaarder|date=March 26, 2020|access-date=November 2, 2020}} Also that month, Nebraska Medicine developed, tested, and implemented protocols for decontaminating and re-using N95 respirator masks with UV light,{{cite web|url=https://omaha.com/livewellnebraska/unmc-experts-develop-process-to-decontaminate-masks-used-in-coronavirus-treatment/article_d6a8df62-3c58-51fd-97c0-05ec4cc2c8d1.html|title= UNMC experts develop process to decontaminate masks used in coronavirus treatment|publisher=Omaha.com|author=Julie Anderson|date=March 21, 2020|access-date=November 2, 2020}} sharing the protocol with other hospitals seeking to conserve masks during a shortage of personal protective equipment.{{cite news|url=https://journalstar.com/lifestyles/health-med-fit/nebraska-medicine-decontaminating-reusing-masks-amid-shortage/article_48847278-7b1c-5da8-97cd-cb3b4e554740.html|title= Nebraska Medicine decontaminating, reusing masks amid shortage|work=Lincoln Journal Star|author=John Schreier|date=March 20, 2020|access-date=November 2, 2020}}{{cite web|url=https://omaha.com/livewellnebraska/nebraska-medicine-adds-another-surge-tent-for-possible-covid-19-patients-just-in-case/article_be4a3945-9e9b-5e8e-9163-d40a2e4db123.html|title= Nebraska Medicine adds another surge tent for possible COVID-19 patients, just in case |publisher=Omaha.com|date=April 7, 2020|author=Julie Anderson|access-date=November 2, 2020}}

After UNMC developed a plastic shield that could be placed around patients being intubated to protect physicians from COVID-19 in April 2020,{{cite web|url=https://www.ketv.com/article/a-gift-from-god-new-york-hospital-receives-intubation-boxes-from-unmc/32325586#|title=A gift from God': New York hospital receives intubation boxes from UNMC|publisher=KETV|author=Maureen Lewis|date=April 30, 2020|access-date=November 5, 2020}} the boxes were put in Nebraska Medical Center's ICU and operating rooms,{{cite web|url=https://omaha.com/livewellnebraska/health/unmc-omaha-plastics-fabricator-design-foldable-portable-intubation-shield/article_a3451ed7-2e0f-5715-92cf-4d3ce73b40cc.html|title= UNMC, Omaha plastics fabricator design foldable, portable intubation shield |publisher=Omaha.com|author=Julie Anderson|date=April 6, 2020|access-date=November 5, 2020}} and also donated to other medical systems. The Nebraska Medical Center in April 2020{{cite web|url=https://www.siouxlandproud.com/community/health/coronavirus/unmc-doctor-invents-device-to-keep-health-care-workers-safe-during-pandemic/|title= UNMC doctor invents device to keep health care workers safe during pandemic|work=Siouxland Proud|author=Caitlyn Lorr|date=April 15, 2020|access-date=November 5, 2020}} also began using the Infectious Aerosol Capture Mask, which was developed by UNMC to contain particles released by patients in operating and recovery rooms.{{cite news|url=https://journalstar.com/lifestyles/health-med-fit/game-of-inches-unmc-docs-develop-patient-mask-to-protect-providers-during-after-surgery/article_ca80f9e3-55f9-5b2b-b5d4-78f0a58f6e75.html|title= 'Game of inches' — UNMC docs develop patient mask to protect providers during, after surgery|work=Lincoln Journal Star|author=Peter Salter|date=April 16, 2020|access-date=November 5, 2020}} In April 2020, Nebraska Medicine also set up a COVID-19 hotline and medical tents outside Nebraska Medical Center to screen patients for COVID-19, with the nearby emergency room also setting up a designated area for patients with critical COVID-19 issues. By that time, Nebraska Medicine and UNMC were collaborating on playbooks to "provide best practices and recommendations for meat processing facilities to minimize the risk that COVID-19," sending experts to tour meatpacking plants and provide technical assistance.{{cite web|url=https://www.1011now.com/content/news/UNMC-experts-develop-guidelines-for-meat-processing-facilities-during-pandemic-570088541.html|title=UNMC experts develop guidelines for meat processing facilities during pandemic|publisher=1011 Now|date=April 30, 2020|access-date=November 5, 2020}} They also created playbooks for school and teachers.{{cite web|url=https://www.nebraskamed.com/patients/covid19/prevention-preparedness|title=Expert advice for schools, teachers and parents|publisher=Nebraska Medicine|access-date=November 5, 2020}} In April 2020,{{cite web|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/scientists-rush-to-develop-novel-coronavirus-vaccine-60-minutes-2020-03-22/|title=In clinical trials and laboratories, the hunt is on to find vaccines and drugs to treat, prevent novel coronavirus|publisher=CBS News|author=Bill Whitaker|date=March 22, 2020|access-date=November 7, 2020}} Nebraska Medicine began leading the first clinical trial of remdesivir, a potential treatment for COVID-19,{{cite news|url=https://www.cnn.com/2020/04/26/health/remdesivir-trial-results-coming-soon/index.html|title=Preliminary results from a remdesivir trial could come in a week or two, researcher says|publisher=CNN|author=Arman Azad|date=April 26, 2020|access-date=November 7, 2020}} with clinical trial patients housed in Nebraska Medicine's biocontainment unit. After early phases of the trial showed success, Nebraska Medicine opened a third phase in August 2020.{{cite news|url=https://omaha.com/lifestyles/health-med-fit/unmc-to-start-third-phase-of-federal-covid-19-drug-trial/article_d8d51145-8961-5b72-bb0f-3fc533aa2691.html|title= UNMC to start third phase of federal COVID-19 drug trial|work=Omaha World Herald|author=Julie Anderson|date=August 9, 2020|access-date=November 7, 2020}}

In the years following the pandemic, several building projects were completed, with others under construction, including the Community Wellness Collaborative, in 2023;{{Cite web |last=Fraser |first=Quanecia |date=2023-09-28 |title=Newly opened north Omaha Community Wellness Collaborative aims to address health disparities |url=https://www.ketv.com/article/north-omaha-community-wellness-collaborative-aims-address-health-disparities/45349135 |access-date=2025-07-09 |website=KETV}} and the Innovation Design Unit on the Nebraska Medical Center campus, in 2024;{{Cite web |last=Perez |first=Jessica |date=2024-12-13 |title=Nebraska Medicine unveils Innovation Design Unit at Durham Outpatient Center |url=https://www.ketv.com/article/better-serve-our-needs-nebraska-medicine-unveils-innovation-design-unit/63175890 |access-date=2025-07-09 |website=KETV}} and the Nebraska Medicine–Bennington Health Center, expected to open in late 2025.{{Cite web |last=Parsons |first=McKenzy |date=2024-11-15 |title=Nebraska Medicine announces construction of new clinic to expand access to 'meet demand' |url=https://www.ketv.com/article/nebraska-medicine-bennington-clinic/62910289 |access-date=2025-07-09 |website=KETV}}

In December 2024, Nebraska Medicine opened the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center – Kearney, a new development that houses the former Heartland Hematology Oncology practice which joined Nebraska Medicine in 2021.{{Cite web |last=Edmond |first=Jartavius |date=2024-12-05 |title=Nebraska Medicine opens new cancer center in Kearney |url=https://www.ksnblocal4.com/2024/12/05/nebraska-medicine-opens-new-cancer-center-kearney/ |access-date=2025-07-09 |website=ksnblocal4}} In January 2025, Nebraska Medicine opened the Innovation Design Unit on the 6th floor of University Tower. Focused on new technologies for hospital care; it combines inpatient care, research, and education, along with a development space to foster newer approaches.{{Cite web |last=Anderson |first=Julie |date=2024-12-13 |title=Ambient listening, virtual nurses: Nebraska Medicine showcases the future of hospital care |url=https://omaha.com/news/local/business/health-care/article_c6008d2c-b68c-11ef-be17-abffe29364c0.html |access-date=2025-07-09 |website=Omaha World-Herald}}{{Cite web |last=Dyrda |first=Laura |date=2025-05-15 |title='Healthcare is too important not to evolve': Nebraska Medicine's next CEO focuses on innovation |url=https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/hospital-management-administration/healthcare-is-too-important-not-to-evolve-nebraska-medicines-next-ceo-focuses-on-innovation/ |access-date=2025-07-09 |website=Becker's Hospital Review }}

Nebraska Medicine's primary care clinics use a "patient-centered medical home model of care," which involves giving patients a "team" of healthcare providers,{{cite web |url=https://www.omaha.com/livewellnebraska/nebraska-medicine-to-open-chalco-clinic/article_537c13b0-bbaa-598b-b0a5-dc4f3907ee24.html|title=Nebraska Medicine to open Chalco clinic |last=Anderson |first=Julie |newspaper=Omaha World-Herald|date=2017-01-31|access-date=2020-01-03}} including "primary care doctors, pharmacists, nutritionists, behavioral health professionals and other providers", such as social workers and dietitians. Primarily serving the metro Omaha area and several counties in Iowa, during its 2024 fiscal year, it had 31,147 discharges, 842,310 in-person primary and specialty patient visits, 91,269 telehealth visits, and 97,800 emergency department visits.

Nebraska Medicine operates emergency departments out of its two major hospitals in Omaha and Bellevue. Nebraska Medicine's main campus, Nebraska Medical Center, is located in midtown Omaha and anchored by several multi-story buildings and facilities. Additional facilities include over 70 outpatient clinics serving 809 licensed beds.

In 2024, U.S. News & World Report ranked Nebraska Medicine as the best regional hospital in Nebraska. Its oncology and gastroenterology and G.I. surgery programs ranked in the top 50 nationwide, and the treatment of cancer, gastroenterology, neurology, neurosurgery, COPD, colon cancer surgery, heart bypass surgery, heart failure treatment, and hip replacement.{{cite web |url=https://health.usnews.com/best-hospitals/area/ne/nebraska-medical-center-6660005 |title=Overview of Nebraska Medicine-Nebraska Medical Center |website=USnews.com |publisher=U.S. News & World Report |access-date=2025-07-09}} The company has full ownership of two hospitals and 70 specialty and primary care clinics in and around Omaha. Nebraska Medicine's main campus, Nebraska Medicine – Nebraska Medical Center, has 718 beds, while its Bellevue Medical Center campus has 91 beds. The company operates the largest of only four dedicated biocontainment units in the United States, and is particularly recognized for programs in fields such as organ transplantation cancer treatment, gastroenterology, neurology, neurosurgery, COPD, heart bypass surgery, heart failure treatment, and hip replacement. Nebraska Medical Center was ranked the No. 1 hospital in Nebraska and in Omaha by U.S. News & World Report in 2024, for the 13th straight year.{{Cite web |date=2024-07-16 |title=U.S. News ranks Nebraska Medicine No. 1 in Nebraska for the 13th straight year |url=https://www.nebraskamed.com/health/nebraska-medicine-news/gastrointestinal-care/us-news-ranks-nebraska-medicine-no-1-in |access-date=2025-07-09 |website=www.nebraskamed.com |language=en}}

Nebraska Medicine is known internationally for bone marrow and organ transplantation. Nebraska Medicine's stroke program,{{cite web |url=https://www.unmc.edu/news.cfm?match=21257 |title=Stroke treatment at med center nationally recognized |date=2017-11-10 |website=UNMC.edu|access-date=2020-01-07}} heart failure program and acute myocardial infarction program received the "Gold Seal of Approval" certification from The Joint Commission in 2017. The Joint Commission also certified the company in inpatient diabetes and lung transplantation in 2017, and the Comprehensive Epilepsy Center at Nebraska Medicine was certified as a level 4 epilepsy center by the National Association of Epilepsy Centers, the highest rating.{{cite web |url=https://www.nebraskamed.com/neurological-care/epilepsy/nebraska-medicine-epilepsy-center-earns-highest-designation |title=Nebraska Medicine Epilepsy Center Earns Highest Designation |date=2017 |publisher=Nebraska Medicine |access-date=2020-01-07}}

Nebraska Medicine operates two hospitals and 70 specialty and primary care clinics.{{Cite web |last=Falvey |first=Anna |title=100 academic medical centers to know {{!}} 2025 |url=https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/hospital-management-administration/100-academic-medical-centers-to-know-2025/ |access-date=2025-07-09 |website=Becker's Hospital Review {{!}} Healthcare News & Analysis}} It also operates five immediate-care clinics in Omaha and surrounding cities: Chalco Health Center; Eagle Run Health Center; Family Medicine at Bellevue Clinic; and Midtown Health Center. and Fontenelle Health Center.

{{Infobox hospital

|name = Nebraska Medical Center

|caption =  

|location = Omaha, Nebraska

|type =  Private non-profit

|founded = 1997

|helipad = Yes

|emergency = Level I trauma center

|beds = 718

|healthcare =

|affiliation = Nebraska Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center

|Chief Medical Director =

|country =  Omaha, Nebraska

|website =  [https://www.nebraskamed.com/nebraska-medical-center Nebraska Medical Center]}}

Nebraska Medical Center serves as Nebraska Medicine's main campus. Located in midtown Omaha, it is the largest hospital in Nebraska, with 718 beds, since 2019. It is licensed as an acute-care facility{{cite web |url=https://www.nebraskamed.com/nebraska-medical-center |title=Nebraska Medical Center |website=Nebraskamed.com |publisher=Nebraska Medicine |access-date=2020-01-06}} with an emergency department and a number of specialty clinics,{{cite web |url=https://www.Nebraskamed.com/locations |title=Locations |website=Nebraskamed.com |publisher=Nebraska Medicine |access-date=2020-01-06}} and employs physicians in "all major specialties and services". The facility is the primary teaching hospital for Nebraska Medicine's academic partner, University of Nebraska Medical Center and, although they share campuses, they operate independently. A number of buildings on the Nebraska Medical Center campus are operated by UNMC, for example the Eppley Cancer Institute.{{cite web |url=https://www.unmc.edu/aboutus/index.html |title=About Us / Fast Facts |website=UNMC.com |publisher=UNMC|access-date=2020-01-06}}

Notable Nebraska Medicine-affiliated facilities on the Nebraska Medical Center campus include:

• Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center – Associated with both Nebraska Medicine and UNMC, Nebraska Medicine and UNMC spent $323 million on the center's construction, which opened to the public in June 2017.
• Nebraska Biocontainment Unit –  The Nebraska Biocontainment Unit (NBU), in the Nebraska Medical Center, is a collaboration between Nebraska Medicine, UNMC, and the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. Commissioned in 2005 by the United States Centers for Disease Control,{{cite web |url=https://www.nebraskamed.com/biocontainment |title=Biocontainment Unit |website=Nebraska Medicine|access-date=2020-01-06}} it was then the largest of the four{{cite web |url=https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/inside-the-4-u-s-biocontainment-hospitals-that-are-stopping-ebola-video/ |title=Inside the 4 U.S. Biocontainment Hospitals That Are Stopping Ebola |last=Courage |first=Katherine Harmon |date=October 24, 2014 |publisher=Scientific American}} dedicated biocontainment units in the United States, with a 10-bed isolation unit. Staff in the unit train other healthcare practitioners on handling highly infectious diseases.{{cite web |url=https://thebossmagazine.com/nebraska-medicine-2/ |title=Nebraska Medicine's Transformational Thinking – A proactive approach to medicine has kept Nebraska Medicine at the forefront of healthcare in the U.S. |last=Wells |first=Aaron |date=2 March 2017 |publisher=BOSS Magazine |access-date=2020-01-06}}
• Clarkson College – Affiliated with Nebraska Medicine, Clarkson College is an allied health college on the Nebraska Medical Center campus.{{cite web |url=https://www.clarksoncollege.edu/about/news/nebraska-medicine-a-proud-partner-in-more-ways-than-one/ |title=Nebraska Medicine: A Proud Partner in More Ways than One |date=November 11, 2014 |website=Clarkson College |access-date=2020-01-06}}
• Hixson-Lied Center for Clinical Excellence – The Nebraska Medical Center broke ground on the project in 2002, opening the $56.5 million facility to the public in 2005. The building covers {{convert|165000|sqft|m2}} over four floors and houses emergency, radiology, cardiology, surgery and the newborn intensive care unit.{{cite web |url=https://www.unmc.edu/news.cfm?match=2428 |title=Hixson-Lied Center for Clinical Excellence is unveiled |last=Grinnell |first=Kelly |date=2005-10-28 |website=unmc.edu |publisher=UNMC |access-date=2020-01-06}}
• Diabetes Center – The Diabetes Center at Nebraska Medicine combines counseling, education, research, and clinical care in treating diabetes.{{cite web |url=https://www.nebraskamed.com/diabetes |title=Diabetes |website=Nebraskamed.com |publisher=Nebraska Medicine |access-date=2020-01-06}} It opened in 2008.{{cite web |url=https://www.unmc.edu/news.cfm?match=4421 |title=Diabetes Center |last=McMaster |first=Andrea |date=April 14, 2008 |website=unmc.edu |publisher=UNMC |access-date=2020-01-06}}
• Lied Transplant Center – A partnership between UNMC and Nebraska Medicine, Lied Transplant Center was first built in 1999. The building houses a clinic, research labs and inpatient hospital units.{{cite web |url=https://www.nebraskamed.com/nebraska-medical-center/lied-transplant-center |title=Lied Transplant Center |website=Nebraskamed.com |publisher=Nebraska Medicine |access-date=2020-01-06}}
• Lauritzen Outpatient Center – Opened in 2016, it has an ambulatory surgery center, clinics, a pharmacy and a laboratory.{{cite web |url=https://www.nebraskamed.com/nebraska-medical-center/lauritzen-outpatient-center |title=Lauritzen Outpatient Center |website=Nebraska Medicine |access-date=2020-01-06}}

In 2010, Nebraska Medicine partnered with UNMC Physicians and a group of physicians from Bellevue, Nebraska to open that city's first civilian hospital.[https://web.archive.org/web/20100323004913/http://bellevuemed.com/ Nebraska Medicine–Bellevue]

The Village Pointe Health Center hospital campus is located near Village Pointe shopping center, with services in four buildings, including a number of specialty clinics.{{cite web |url=https://www.nebraskamed.com/village-pointe |title=Village Pointe Health Center |website=Nebraskamed.com |publisher=Nebraska Medicine |access-date=2020-01-06}}

Nebraska Orthopaedic Hospital opened in April 2004 under the ownership of several practicing orthopedic surgeons and Nebraska Medicine, which remained a partial owner when it was renamed OrthoNebraska, in 2017.{{cite web |url=https://www.omaha.com/money/nebraska-orthopaedic-hospital-and-orthowest-join-under-rebranded-name-orthonebraska/article_9e0e8fc2-c498-52b9-ad9c-0954d23ddd35.html |title=Nebraska Orthopaedic Hospital and OrthoWest join under rebranded name OrthoNebraska |last= Anderson|first=Julie |date=May 13, 2017 |publisher=Omaha World-Herald |access-date=2020-01-06}}

• Hospitals in Omaha, Nebraska
• History of Omaha, Nebraska

{{reflist}}

• [http://www.nebraskamed.com Nebraska Medicine]
• [https://www.nebraskamed.com/nebraska-medical-center Nebraska Medical Center]
• [http://www.unmc.edu/ University of Nebraska Medical Center]
• [https://www.nebraskamed.com/bellevue Bellevue Medical Center]
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20170914165621/http://neorthohospital.com/ Nebraska Orthopaedic Hospital]
• [http://www.clarksoncollege.edu Clarkson College]

{{Nebraska Trauma Centers}}{{Coord|41|15|22|N|95|58|39|W|format=dms|display=title|type:landmark_region:US-NE}}

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Category:Hospitals in Omaha, Nebraska

Category:1997 establishments in Nebraska

Category:Midtown Omaha, Nebraska

Category:Hospitals established in 1997

Category:Health facilities that treated Ebola patients

Category:Healthcare in Omaha, Nebraska

Category:Health care companies based in Nebraska