The Marshfield Clinic Health System has announced that along with other deep cuts in service in the northern region, Mercer Center will be closing. TheLakelandTimes reports the failed merger with Essentia Health, financial issues and a credit downgrade have all contributed to the decision to close the center. The closure of Mercer Center will be effective as of Friday. Patients will be transfered to Primary Care in Minocqua and other centers. Pharmacy operations in Mercer will also be discontinued. Other service changes will affect Minocqua, Park Falls and Phillips, some of them temporary, some, however will be permanent. Ty Erickson, president of Marshfield’s North Market in a statement said the measures are necessary to ensure that Marshfield Clinic Health System becomes a resilient organization equipped to confront the challenges of rural healthcare in the 21st century.”