Freeman Health System and KRI announced on September 21 the signing of a non-binding Letter of Intent (LOI) to explore the future ownership and operation of Freeman Fort Scott Hospital.
Since opening Freeman Fort Scott Hospital on September 4, 2025, Freeman has remained committed to providing the residents of Fort Scott and Bourbon County with access to high-quality local healthcare. During that time, healthcare organizations across the country, particularly those serving rural communities, have continued to face significant workforce, reimbursement, operational, and financial pressures.
As part of its ongoing commitment to the community, Freeman has worked closely with local leaders, providers and stakeholders to evaluate opportunities that could support the long-term sustainability of healthcare services in Fort Scott. Those efforts have included operational improvements and evaluation of potential care delivery models, including opportunities associated with the Rural Emergency Hospital model.
The Letter of Intent provides Freeman Health System and KRI the opportunity to evaluate whether a transition of ownership and operations could further support the long-term access to health care.
The LOI is non-binding, and no final agreement has been reached. Any potential transaction remains subject to due diligence, negotiation of definitive agreements, regulatory review, and other necessary approvals.
Throughout this process, patient care, hospital operations and services will continue as normal.
Both organizations remain committed to supporting employees, providers, patients and community stakeholders while exploring opportunities to preserve and strengthen local health care access.
Additional information will be shared as appropriate as discussions progress.
About Freeman Health System
Locally owned and nationally recognized, Freeman Health System is a not-for-profit health system serving communities across Missouri, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Kansas through a network of hospitals, physician clinics, outpatient locations, and specialty services. The system includes Freeman Hospital West, Freeman Hospital East, Freeman Neosho Hospital, and the Freeman Health System facilities in Bentonville, Springdale, Willow Creek, and Siloam Springs. Freeman Health System also operates Ozark Center—the region’s largest provider of behavioral health services, and offers comprehensive cancer, cardiology, neurology and neurosurgery, orthopedics, and women’s and children’s services. The system is supported by more than 7,000 employees and is the only Children’s Miracle Network Hospital in a 70-mile radius. For more information, visit freemanhealth.com.
Reference:
Kevin McClintock, Media Relations Coordinator
Freeman Health System
417.434.3458
KSMcclintock@freemanhealth.com
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