COLORADO SPRINGS, CO (November 20, 2025) - CommonSpirit Health’s Penrose Hospital, St. Francis Hospital and St. Francis Hospital - Interquest are pleased to announce a new strategic partnership with US Acute Care Solutions (USACS) to provide dedicated medical leadership in their Intensive Care Units (ICUs). This move, set to begin in February 2026, is designed to further elevate patient outcomes and reinforce CommonSpirit Health’s commitment to delivering advanced, high-quality, and coordinated patient care across its system.
“The decision to partner with USACS for ICU care builds upon a highly successful, five-year collaboration in the hospital's emergency departments,” said Kristi Olson, Penrose Hospital president. “This established relationship has consistently yielded high-quality, patient-centered care and will now expand to enhance critical care services.”
As part of this transition, the ICU will adopt a dedicated, physician-led model of care. This means every patient will have their in-patient care led and coordinated by a USACS Board-certified critical care physician. This change will streamline treatment, foster a more integrated approach to care, and ensure we can expertly manage the growing number of patients who need the highest level of critical care right here in our community.
“We are confident that this expanded partnership with USACS will bring innovative leadership, further strengthen our clinical teams, and deliver a shared vision for excellence to our Intensive Care Units, ultimately benefiting every patient who comes through our doors,” said Gina Temple, St. Francis Hospital and St. Francis Hospital - Interquest president. “This evolution underscores our unwavering dedication to continuous improvement and ensuring the highest standards of care for our community.”
This new direction for the ICU involves a transition away from the current ICU coverage, which has historically been provided by Colorado Springs Pulmonary Consultants (CSPC), board certified pulmonologists. CSPC will continue to independently own and operate its clinics, providing outpatient care. Patients with questions about their ongoing outpatient care should contact CSPC directly.
“The health care landscape is continuously evolving, and so must our strategies. We want to ensure that critical care is available close to home,” said Olson. “We are grateful for our partners at Colorado Springs Pulmonology Consultants and the care they have provided our hospitals over the years.”
Inspired by faith. Driven by innovation. Powered by humankindness. CommonSpirit Health is building a healthier future for all through its integrated health services. As one of the nation’s largest nonprofit Catholic healthcare organizations, CommonSpirit Health delivers more than 20 million patient encounters annually through more than 2,300 clinics, care sites and 137 hospital-based locations, in addition to its home-based services and virtual care offerings. CommonSpirit has more than 155,000 employees, 45,000 nurses and 25,000 physicians and advanced practice providers across 24 states and contributes more than $4 billion annually in charity care, community benefits and unreimbursed government programs. Together with our patients, physicians, partners, and communities, we are creating a more just, equitable, and innovative healthcare delivery system. Learn more at commonspirit.org.
