The Jewish Hospital — Mercy Health
A historic Cincinnati hospital with deep surgical and bariatric experience, used by JourneyLite surgeons when a patient’s procedure is best performed in an inpatient hospital setting.
Founded in 1850 and widely recognized as the first Jewish hospital in the United States.
Conveniently located near I-71 in northeastern Cincinnati.
Full inpatient resources for patients whose surgical plan calls for a hospital setting.
Decades of experience supporting surgical weight-loss patients and complex abdominal surgery.
More than 175 years of caring for the community
The Jewish Hospital’s story began with Cincinnati’s Jewish community and a commitment to provide dignified, compassionate medical care. Its mission grew over time to serve patients of every faith and background.
Founded in 1850, the hospital is widely recognized as the first Jewish hospital established in the United States. Its creation reflected both the healthcare needs of a growing immigrant community and a desire to ensure that Jewish patients could receive respectful care consistent with their traditions.
The hospital later established a major campus on Burnet Avenue in Cincinnati’s Avondale area. As population patterns changed, it moved to its present Kenwood campus in 1997. The hospital became part of Mercy Health in 2009, continuing its historic name and identity while expanding its place within a large regional health system.
-
1850
A pioneering hospital opens
The Jewish Hospital is founded in Cincinnati and becomes known as the nation’s first Jewish hospital.
-
1890
A new Burnet Avenue campus
The hospital dedicates a larger campus in the Mount Auburn–Avondale area, helping establish the medical district once known locally as “Pill Hill.”
-
1997
The move to Kenwood
The hospital relocates to its current campus on East Galbraith Road, bringing its clinical legacy to northeastern Cincinnati.
-
2009
Joining Mercy Health
The Jewish Hospital becomes part of Mercy Health while retaining the name, traditions and community identity that distinguish the institution.
-
Today
A regional hospital resource
The Kenwood campus provides inpatient surgery, emergency care and a broad range of specialized hospital services to Greater Cincinnati.
A longstanding role in surgical weight-loss care
Long before bariatric surgery became widely available, The Jewish Hospital developed substantial experience caring for patients with obesity who required hospital-based surgical treatment.
Over the years, its bariatric teams and operating rooms have supported gastric bypass, gastric sleeve, adjustable gastric band, revisional procedures and the treatment of complications from prior weight-loss operations. The hospital has also participated in nationally recognized bariatric quality and accreditation programs during its history.
Experienced operating environment
Hospital surgical teams have cared for bariatric patients across multiple generations of minimally invasive weight-loss procedures.
Inpatient resources
A hospital setting provides overnight nursing, diagnostic services and access to specialists when a patient’s medical or surgical needs call for them.
Complex-case capability
Inpatient resources can be particularly valuable for selected revisions, higher-risk patients and procedures expected to require a hospital stay.
Dr. Trace Curry’s history at The Jewish Hospital
Dr. Trace Curry, founder and Medical Director of JourneyLite, served for a number of years as Medical Director of Bariatric Surgery at The Jewish Hospital. In that leadership role, he helped guide a multidisciplinary program built around careful patient selection, modern minimally invasive techniques, quality standards and long-term follow-up.
That history created strong familiarity with the hospital, its operating environment and the needs of bariatric patients. Today, JourneyLite remains an independent bariatric and weight-management practice, while its surgeons continue to use The Jewish Hospital for selected inpatient operations.
- More than two decades of bariatric surgery experience
- Former Medical Director of Bariatric Surgery at The Jewish Hospital
- Founder and Medical Director of JourneyLite Physicians and JourneyLite Surgery Center
The right surgical setting for each patient
JourneyLite offers both ambulatory and hospital-based bariatric surgery. Your surgeon recommends a facility only after reviewing the procedure, health history, insurance requirements and anticipated recovery needs.
Evaluation and planning
Your JourneyLite team reviews your medical history, prior operations, procedure options and coverage requirements.
Facility selection
If inpatient care is appropriate, The Jewish Hospital may be selected based on your clinical needs, procedure and insurance network.
Hospital surgery
Your JourneyLite surgeon performs the operation with hospital anesthesia, nursing and support services available throughout the stay.
Discharge planning
The hospital team confirms that you are meeting the clinical goals required for a safe discharge.
JourneyLite follow-up
Postoperative care continues through JourneyLite, including diet progression, medication guidance and scheduled clinical follow-up.
Long-term support
JourneyLite remains your bariatric care team for nutrition support, maintenance, questions and evaluation of future concerns.
Important: A hospital’s use, network status and covered services can change. JourneyLite will help coordinate the planned facility, but patients should confirm current hospital and surgeon benefits directly with their insurer before surgery.
The Jewish Hospital — Mercy Health
- Address:
4777 E. Galbraith Road
Cincinnati, OH 45236 - Main hospital phone:
513-686-3000 - Hospital website:
View the official Mercy Health hospital page
Questions about your JourneyLite surgery?
For arrival instructions, surgical scheduling, preoperative requirements or questions about which facility will be used, contact JourneyLite rather than the hospital’s general switchboard.
- JourneyLite:
877-442-2263 - Appointments:
Request an appointment online - General questions:
Request information
Questions about JourneyLite surgery at Jewish Hospital
Are all JourneyLite bariatric surgeries performed at The Jewish Hospital?
No. JourneyLite uses more than one surgical facility. Many qualifying procedures can be performed at JourneyLite Surgery Center, while selected cases are performed in an inpatient hospital. Your surgeon will recommend the setting that best fits your procedure, medical needs and coverage.
Why might my surgery be scheduled in an inpatient hospital?
An inpatient setting may be recommended because of the type or complexity of the procedure, a prior abdominal operation, medical conditions, anticipated monitoring needs, insurance requirements or your surgeon’s clinical judgment.
Does JourneyLite own The Jewish Hospital?
No. The Jewish Hospital is part of Mercy Health. JourneyLite is an independent bariatric and weight-management practice whose surgeons have privileges and use the hospital for selected inpatient procedures.
Who provides my care after I leave the hospital?
Your ongoing bariatric follow-up is coordinated through JourneyLite. The team provides postoperative visits, dietary guidance, medication and vitamin recommendations, and long-term weight-management support.
How will I know my arrival time?
JourneyLite provides final preoperative instructions and arrival information. Because operating-room schedules can change, exact arrival times are often confirmed close to the procedure date. Follow the instructions sent directly by your surgical team.
How can I verify that The Jewish Hospital is in my insurance network?
Network participation is plan-specific. Contact the member-services number on your insurance card and ask separately about benefits for the hospital, surgeon, anesthesia and any other involved providers. JourneyLite’s team can help you understand the planned facility and authorization process.
Let JourneyLite help you understand your surgical options
Our team can help determine whether weight-loss surgery may be appropriate, which procedure deserves consideration and whether an outpatient or inpatient setting is likely to fit your needs.
The Jewish Hospital — Mercy Health is a separate organization from JourneyLite. Facility selection is individualized and subject to clinical appropriateness, scheduling, insurance authorization and network participation.