(Joplin, MO) – Freeman Health System has concluded a comprehensive feasibility study regarding the potential development of a hospital in southeast Kansas. After two years of due diligence, the study revealed significant challenges that prevent them from moving forward responsibly.
Freeman was initially approached by community leaders in Southeast Kansas due to a gap in quality healthcare services. Since that time, other organizations, including Freeman Health System, have stepped in and successfully filled that gap, significantly changing the healthcare landscape in the region.
“Due diligence is not a snapshot in time, it’s a continuous process,” said Matt Fry, Chief Executive Officer of Freeman Health System. “The conditions that existed two years ago no longer reflect the current reality.”
The feasibility study considered multiple factors, including the unpredictable impact of pending legislation such as the “One Big Beautiful Bill” and evolving challenges in rural healthcare. These variables, unknown at the start of the process, contributed to the final decision.
Freeman Health System remains committed to southeast Kansas through existing services and strategic growth, including the ongoing Oncology Expansion at Freeman’s Pittsburg location.
About Freeman Health System
Locally owned, not-for-profit and nationally recognized, Freeman Health System includes Freeman Hospital West, Freeman Hospital East, Freeman Neosho Hospital and Ozark Center — the area’s largest provider of behavioral health services — as well as two urgent care clinics, dozens of physician clinics and a variety of specialty services. In 2020, Freeman earned dozens of individual awards for medical excellence and patient safety from CareChex®, a quality rating system that helps consumers evaluate healthcare providers. U.S. News & World Report named Freeman Health System the Best Hospital in Southwest Missouri for 2020. With more than 320 physicians on staff representing more than 80 specialties, Freeman provides cancer care, heart care, neurology and neurosurgery, orthopaedics, children’s services and women’s services. Additionally, Freeman 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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