Category Archives: Freeman Fort Scott Hospital

Freeman Fort Scott Hospital, Inc. Receives $2.5 Million Kansas Rural Health Grant

May 29, 2026 Submitted Story Leave a comment

The reception area of the Freeman Fort Scott Hospital.

Joplin, MO – Freeman Fort Scott Hospital, Inc. was awarded a $2.5 million rural health grant on Friday that will vastly improve access and outcomes in health care to Bourbon County residents.

Freeman’s fourth and newest hospital was one of 17 Kansas-based health care facilities to receive a Rural Emergency Hospital Conversion/Transformative Capital Investment Program (REH/CAP) grant via the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE). These grants help rural health facilities like Fort Scott Hospital make either facility renovations or capital investments “to transform how they serve their communities.”

A total of $29.1 million was distributed to the 17 Kansas locations. Freeman Fort Scott Hospital Inc. was chosen from a pool of 73 applications. The $2,502,999 amount was the fourth highest awarded.

“This award represents a significant investment in the future of healthcare in Fort Scott, Bourbon County, and the surrounding region,” said Anita Walden, chief administrative officer of Freeman Fort Scott Hospital, Inc.

The grant money was made available through the Kansas Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP).

“We are incredibly grateful for the support provided through the Rural Health Transformation Program and for the confidence placed in Freeman Fort Scott Hospital’s vision for improving access to care for the community we serve,” Walden continued.

Last December, Kansas was awarded $221 million from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services as part of the H.R. 1 bill, which provided $50 billion to help reshape healthcare in rural communities nationwide over the next five years.

“These investments reflect the power of collaboration and long-term planning in addressing the unique health care needs of rural Kansas communities,” Gov. Laura Kelly said in a statement. “By supporting regional partnerships, rural hospitals, and critical infrastructure improvements, the Rural Health Transformation Program is empowering communities to strengthen local health systems, improve access to high-quality care, and build a more sustainable future for rural Kansans.”

Located at 401 Woodland Hills Blvd., Freeman Fort Scott Hospital, Inc.—consisting of a six-bed emergency department and 10-bed acute care unit—opened in September 2025 and celebrated its official ribbon cutting earlier this month. More than 3,400 Fort Scott and Bourbon County residents have utilized the hospital’s emergency department in the last eight months.

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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, Freeman Fort Scott Hospital, Inc., 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. With more than 320 physicians on staff representing more than 90 specialties, Freeman provides cancer care, heart care, neurology and neurosurgery, orthopedics, children’s services, women’s services, and many others for all of the Four State Area. Freeman is also involved in numerous community-based activities and sponsored events and celebrations. Additionally, in the Joplin/Pittsburg areas, Freeman is the only Children’s Miracle Network Hospital in a 70-mile radius. For more information, visit freemanhealth.com.

Freeman Fort Scott Hospital

Freeman Health System Selects News Electronic Health Record System

May 14, 2026 Submitted Story Leave a comment

Epic Partnership

Freeman Health System Selects Epic as its New Electronic Health Record System

Joplin, MO – Ensuring a more seamless patient experience for decades to come, Freeman Health System has selected health care software leader Epic as its next-generation electronic health record (EHR) system.

Epic features innovative tools like MyChart for patient engagement, AI-driven analytics, telehealth, and specialized modules for cardiology or oncology, as examples. Previously, Freeman utilized Meditech software as its EHR vendor.

The region’s largest healthcare provider expects to roll out Epic system-wide on October 24, 2026.

“Epic will allow us to streamline workflows and documentation, improve access to information, and ensure our patients and providers are supported by a system designed to meet today’s needs and tomorrow’s challenges,” said Freeman’s Chief Information Officer Matthew Sabus.

Once operational, Epic will serve as a single, integrated platform for clinical and administrative workflows across Freeman Health System, which includes four hospitals, behavioral health giant Ozark Center, and numerous primary, urgent, and specialty clinics across three states.

Health systems like Freeman are switching to Epic—the nation’s largest EHR vendor with more than 325 million patients having a current record in its system—to enhance patient care, streamline operations, improve clinician well-being, and provide a simpler healthcare experience for the communities they serve.

“This decision is a major milestone in our journey to provide compassionate, coordinated care that is powered by innovation,” Sabus said.

Electronic health records systematically collect patient and population health information in digital format, with the capability of safely sharing these records across various healthcare settings.

Freeman’s anticipated switch to Epic, Sabus said, “is the beginning of something truly transformative for our patients, our providers, and our entire health system.”

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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. With more than 300 physicians on staff representing more than 60 specialties, Freeman provides cancer care, heart and vascular care, neurology and neurosurgery, orthopedics, 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 www.freemanhealth.com.

Freeman Fort Scott Hospital, Health Care

Ribbon Cutting for Freeman Fort Scott Hospital Is Celebrated

May 8, 2026 Submitted Story Leave a comment

‘An Incredible Day’

Ribbon Cutting Held for Freeman Fort Scott Hospital, Inc.

Joplin, Mo.—Nearly 3,400 Fort Scott and Bourbon County residents have utilized Freeman Fort Scott Hospital Inc.’s Emergency Department since it first opened for business last September.

The need for the facility helps explain why so many residents showed up to support the long-awaited ribbon-cutting ceremony that took place, appropriately enough, in front of the hospital’s ambulance bay Thursday morning.

“I think it’s beautiful when we come together like this in celebration,” said Matt Fry, Freeman Health System’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “There’s so many people that showed up for this ribbon-cutting today, and I think it’s a testament to how much this hospital means to the people living in this community.”

The reaction to Thursday’s ribbon-cutting ceremony was very similar to the enthusiastic response from residents when Freeman officials first proposed the hospital in mid-2024, when nearly 150 people cheered the announcement. At that time, Fort Scott had been without a hospital since 2018 and without an emergency department since 2023. Between then and the September 2025 opening of Freeman Fort Scott Hospital, residents were forced to travel to neighboring communities for their emergency healthcare needs.

Anita Walden, Chief Administrative Officer for Freeman Fort Scott Hospital, Inc., described Thursday morning as an “incredible day” for Fort Scott, Bourbon County, and the future of healthcare in the region.

“When these doors opened in September 2025, we did more than reopen a hospital, we restored local access to care, created stability, and brought healthcare back home for the families of this region,” she said.

Over the last 25 years, 470-plus rural hospitals have closed nationwide. To open a rural hospital during this time is a cause for celebration. The best way for Bourbon County residents to continue showing support for the six-bed ED and 10-bed acute care hospital is by choosing to receive care locally whenever possible, Walden said.

“By utilizing the services available right here at Freeman Fort Scott Hospital and encouraging your family, friends, and neighbors to do the same, you help strengthen access to quality healthcare for all of Bourbon County,” she continued. “Your trust and support play an important role in the long-term success of [Freeman Fort Scott Hospital].”

“The hospital continues to serve our community every day, with 14 patients seen daily in the ED and four more on the acute care side,” Fry said, emphasizing that, even with this steady utilization, “the pursuit of improvement never stops.”

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Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce, Freeman Fort Scott Hospital

Ribbon Cutting at Freeman Fort Scott Hospital on May 7

May 5, 2026 Submitted Story Leave a comment

Sending on behalf of Chamber Champion Member

You’re invited to our Ribbon Cutting!

Thursday, May 7th

10am

Freeman Fort Scott Hospital, Inc.

401 Woodland Hill Blvd., Fort Scott, KS

Freeman Fort Scott Hospital has been open and serving the healthcare needs of Fort Scott and Bourbon County residents since September 2025. This ceremony will officially celebrate the return of 24/7 emergency department services to the region. Freeman Health announced the hospital opened after successfully completing the Kansas Licensure Survey, marking an important step in expanding access to healthcare in Southeast Kansas.

The hospital includes a 6-bed emergency department and 10-bed acute care unit, with patients also having access to Freeman’s broader network of specialists, including oncology, cardiology, and orthopedics.

Freeman officials, dignitaries, and the public will gather to recognize this significant milestone for Fort Scott and Bourbon County.

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

Freeman Fort Scott Hospital, Inc.

Ozark Center

(the area’s largest provider of behavioral health services)

Two urgent care clinics

Dozens of physician clinics

A variety of specialty services.

With more than 320 physicians on staff representing more than 90 specialties, Freeman provides cancer care, heart care, neurology and neurosurgery, orthopedics, children’s services, women’s services, and many others for all of the Four State Area.

Freeman is also involved in numerous community-based activities, sponsored events, and celebrations.

Additionally, in the Joplin/Pittsburg areas, Freeman is the only Children’s Miracle Network Hospital in

a 70-mile radius.

For more information, visit freemanhealth.com.

Click HERE to visit the

Freeman Health System

Facebook Page!

Click HERE for careers available with Freeman Fort Scott Hospital, Inc.

A special Thank You to our Chamber Champion members below!

Share This Email

Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street | Fort Scott, KS 66701 US

Freeman Fort Scott Hospital, Health Care

54 Graduate Nurses Sign to Join Freeman Health System

May 1, 2026 Submitted Story Leave a comment

Caregivers and Lifesavers

Nurses Recognized During Special Signing Day Ceremony

Joplin, MO – Smiling, sharing hugs, and waving to a max-capacity audience, a graduating class of 53 graduate nurses (GNs) and graduate practical nurses (GPNs) were honored during a unique Freeman Health System ceremony held Wednesday evening.

Just as athletes sign letters of intent to play at the collegiate level, these nurses signed their names to join “Team Freeman.”

“Tonight is a celebration,” said Freeman Senior Vice President Chief Nursing Officer Jeanee Kennedy. “This moment marks your transition from preparation to performance, from training to team. Each of you deserves your place here for your great discipline, long nights, and an unwavering commitment to care.”

During the ceremony, held on the Missouri Southern State University campus, family and friends gathered around the signing table to celebrate their loved one’s hard-earned achievement, often punctuated by cheers and chants from the audience.

“You are signing on to a profession that changes lives every single day,” Kennedy continued. “You are choosing a department, a mascot, and a team that will shape you, and will be shaped by you.”

The nurses—who will enter various Freeman departments such as the birthing center, pediatrics, cardiology, emergency department, orthopedics, and transitional care unit (TCU), among others—will take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). Upon passing the exam, they will become either registered nurses or licensed practical nurses at Freeman.

“This is a huge moment,” said Nathan Cantwell, Director of Freeman’s TCU, Cardiac Medical Unit, and Infusion Center. “What you guys are doing tonight represents all the late nights that you’ve spent studying, all the early mornings, all the caffeine over the years, all the stress and anxiety. I hope tonight you can take a moment to step back and just appreciate the finish line that you are now walking across.”

The 53 GN and GNP class marks the largest graduate nursing class since Freeman created the ceremony years ago.

“We are deeply grateful that you have chosen Freeman Health System as your place to grow your nursing career,” said Kristan Eaton, Freeman Senior Vice President Chief Human Resource Officer. “Your journey allows you to provide the care, compassion, and excellence that will make a meaningful difference to our patients and our community.”

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Freeman Fort Scott Hospital

Freeman Appoints New System Director of Revenue Cycle

March 30, 2026 Submitted Story Leave a comment

Christina Clifford Brings Vast Experience to Freeman Health System

Christina Clifford has been named Freeman Health System’s System Director of
Revenue Cycle. She’s excited to return to the employer that helped launch her professional
career from 2007 to 2015 as Freeman’s patient accounts support coordinator.

“[Freeman] is where I first discovered my passion for healthcare revenue-cycle operations and
improvement,” Clifford said. “Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to lead teams across
multiple health systems and physician groups, focusing on technical billing, workflow
optimization, and compliance. Returning to Freeman feels meaningful and full circle. I’m
grateful for the chance to bring my experience back to an organization that serves the
community I care deeply about.”

After leaving Southwest Missouri, Clifford worked for various healthcare systems based in
Texas, Maryland and, most recently, Michigan, where she worked for Healthrise, in support of
Trinity Health System, as regional director of revenue site operations and revenue integrity.

What excites her most about her new role at Freeman has everything to do with partnering
with teams systemwide to strengthen processes, reduce friction, and support the people doing
the difficult day-to-day work, she said.

Area News, Freeman Fort Scott Hospital, Health Care

Freeman’s Dr. Derek Miller Noted by Newsweek for Knee Surgery Excellence

October 1, 2025 Loretta George Leave a comment

Top Knee Doctor in Nation

JOPLIN, Mo. – Freeman Health System’s Dr. Derek Miller was named one of America’s most talented knee surgeons working in the field today by New York-based news magazine Newsweek and global data intelligence firm Statista.

The accolade, the board-certified surgeon admitted, caught him off guard.

“I first found out when my office notified me that I was ranked the number 19th knee surgeon in the United States,” Dr. Miller said. “For sure it’s quite an honor, given that there are more than 25,000 orthopedic surgeons practicing in the U.S.”

Dr. Miller said it’s always good to receive affirmation for the quality care he and his team provide daily to their patients at Freeman Orthopedics & Sports Medicine in Joplin.

“Especially when you consider the metrics that they use; complication rates, ER visits, unplanned re-admissions and doctor performance data from Medicare claims,” the board-certified surgeon said. “I think these are the things that people really care about – optimizing patient outcomes.

“To be honest, it takes a team to get results like we have,” he said. “I’m blessed with an incredible office staff that is both thorough and detail-oriented, and OR (operating room) personnel who are really good at their jobs and just truly care about people.”

Dr. Miller specializes in primary and revision knee and hip replacements, performing 500-plus surgeries each year.

“Joint replacement is a rewarding surgery,” he said. “And often, it’s truly life-changing for so many of my patients. Their quality of life has suffered as they become so debilitated and disabled from arthritis, or maybe they’ve had a terrible injury in the past. I have the privilege of helping relieve their pain and ultimately improve quality of life.”

Dr. Miller, who has been at Freeman for 18 years, is a primary user of the CORI robotic-assisted total knee system, a technological wonder that allows greater precision than traditional knee instrumentation of the past, increasing both patient satisfaction and long-term outcomes. He also utilizes lovera injections, which freezes the nerves to a patient’s knees, providing immediate, non-opioid pain relief for up to 90 days.

“It’s technology like these combined with a competent, compassionate team that makes Freeman the leader in knee surgery and gets us this kind of national recognition,” he added.

Dr. Miller is currently accepting new patients at Freeman Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, 3105 McClelland Blvd. in Joplin. Call 417.347.5400 to make an appointment.

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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. With more than 320 physicians on staff representing more than 90 specialties, Freeman provides cancer care, heart care, neurology and neurosurgery, orthopedics, children’s services, women’s services, and many others for all of the Four State Area. Freeman is also involved in numerous community-based activities and sponsored events and celebrations. Additionally, in the Joplin/Pittsburg areas, Freeman is the only Children’s Miracle Network Hospital in a 70-mile radius. For more information, visit freemanhealth.com.

Area News, Freeman Fort Scott Hospital

Freeman Appoints New Vice President of Imaging Services

September 8, 2025 Submitted Story Leave a comment

Hector Juarez Brings Extensive Experience to Key Community Service

JOPLIN, Mo. – Freeman officials are proud to announce the appointment of Hector Juarez as Freeman Health System’s new Vice President of Imaging following an extensive nationwide search.

Juarez brings vast experience to Joplin’s largest employer, having overseen multi-site imaging operations while supervising more than 30 facilities across multiple markets during his career.

“I am ecstatic to be part of Freeman Health System,” Juarez said, who starts this week. “I look forward to working with our teams to expand imaging services and ensure our surrounding communities have access to high quality, innovative care.”

Prior to moving to Southwest Missouri, Juarez successfully directed daily operations of more than 350 employees across 16 departments at Memorial Hermann Texas Medical Center, one of the nation’s busiest Level I trauma centers. He directed one of Houston’s largest and most complex imaging programs, performing more than 372,000 examinations annually and leading initiatives that improved efficiency, expanded access, and enhanced patient experience. As the flagship facility of the Memorial Hermann Health System, TMC anchors one of Texas’ largest not-for-profit health systems, comprising 17 hospitals, eight cancer centers, and three heart institutes.

“We’re excited to welcome Hector to Freeman Health System as our new Vice President of Imaging,” said Freeman President and Chief Executive Officer Matt Fry. “His deep expertise and engaging leadership style will help shape our future and ensure we are able to provide exceptional care to our patients.”

Hector holds a Master of Science in Healthcare Administration from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center and a Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Sciences from Midwestern State University. He is credentialed by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists as both a Registered Radiologic Technologist and a Registered Computed Tomography Technologist.

“I believe in leading imaging services through collaboration that blends data driven strategy with a people first approach,” Juarez said of his vision for Freeman’s imaging services moving forward. “When leaders invest in their teams, excellence in patient care naturally follows.”

Freeman, accredited by the American College of Radiology, offers a full range of services that include state-of-the-art computed radiography, computed tomography (CT), stationary positron tomograph/computed tomography (PET/CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasound, digital mammography – including the region’s first use of the GE Healthcare’s Senographe Pristina™ Dueta 3-D mammography system – and diagnostic angiography.

“As technology continues to evolve, we want to make imaging more accessible, more efficient, and more robust, ensuring patients across our region have access to the very best imaging services,” Juarez said.

His goal for Freeman Health System is a simple one: “I want to advance imaging as both a clinical and community resource, aligning our services with Freeman’s strategic planning, growth, and improving the overall patient experience.”

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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. With more than 320 physicians on staff representing more than 90 specialties, Freeman provides cancer care, heart care, neurology and neurosurgery, orthopedics, children’s services, women’s services, and many others for all of the Four State Area. Freeman is also involved in numerous community-based activities and sponsored events and celebrations. Additionally, in the Joplin/Pittsburg areas, Freeman is the only Children’s Miracle Network Hospital in a 70-mile radius. For more information, visit freemanhealth.com.

Freeman Fort Scott Hospital

U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran Shows Support with Visit to Freeman Fort Scott Hospital

September 5, 2025 Submitted Story Leave a comment

Stately Visit

FORT SCOTT, Kan. – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan) paid an impromptu visit to Freeman Fort Scott Hospital, Inc. Friday morning, roughly 24 hours after the facility’s long-awaited public opening in Fort Scott.

Calling the facility “impressive,” Moran – the long-time advocate for rural health care in Kansas – was given a brief tour of the six-bed emergency department and 10-bed acute care hospital by Freeman’s Chief Executive Officer of Rural Hospitals Renee Denton and Anita Walden, Chief Administrative Officer at Freeman Fort Scott Hospital, Inc.

“There was this email about ‘something exciting happened in Fort Scott today,” Moran said, following a plane flight from Washington D.C. He immediately reached out to Freeman officials, asking if he could visit the new hospital.

During its first full day of operation, Freeman Health System’s newest hospital recorded seven patients at the ED, including one patient in need of immediate cardiac intervention that was sent urgently to Freeman Hospital West in Joplin.

Moran learned details about the hospital while shaking hands with Freeman nurses and the hospital’s Medical Director, Dr. Mark Brown, inside the emergency department.

“I’m here to see what you do on day two,” the Senator said. “I appreciate your passion, and I wish you all the best.”

Making certain Kansas residents have easy access to affordable, quality health care has been one of the Senator’s core beliefs. He has spoken extensively in the past about the challenges facing rural hospitals in Kansas, citing the closure of facilities across the Sunflower state. He’s publicly supported Freeman’s efforts to reopen the city’s emergency department and establish the 10-bed acute medical center for Fort Scott and Bourbon County residents to utilize.

During his visit, Moran pledged to help expedite the process concerning the hospital’s upcoming credentialing survey conducted by Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) officials.

“His desire to be on site day two not only shows his support, but his continued commitment was evident with his offer to assist however he can to expedite the CMS survey process to receive our CMS certification,” Denton said, adding that he also has penned a letter of support in favor of the Freeman Fort Scott hospital to CMS officials. “That will be our final hurdle.”

Moran also pledged to look into the time-consuming process Missouri-based Freeman physicians must undergo to receive their required licensure to practice medicine in Kansas.

Having worked closely with Moran, via email and Zoom meetings, for many months, “I can tell you he is very passionate about affordable healthcare and making sure all rural communities have access to it,” Walden said.

For more information about Freeman Fort Scott Hospital, Inc. – located at 401 Woodland Hills Blvd. – and the services offered, visit freemanhealth.com.

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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. With more than 320 physicians on staff representing more than 90 specialties, Freeman provides cancer care, heart care, neurology and neurosurgery, orthopedics, children’s services, women’s services, and many others for all of the Four State Area. Freeman is also involved in numerous community-based activities and sponsored events and celebrations. Additionally, in the Joplin/Pittsburg areas, Freeman is the only Children’s Miracle Network Hospital in a 70-mile radius. For more information, visit freemanhealth.com.

Fort Scott, Freeman Fort Scott Hospital, Health Care

Freeman Fort Scott Hospital Opens Following Successful Kansas Licensure Survey

September 4, 2025 Submitted Story Leave a comment

Up and Running

FORT SCOTT, Kan. – As of 9:00 am Thursday, Freeman Fort Scott Hospital, Inc. is open for business.

The official opening follows the successful completion of the Kansas Licensure Survey. This milestone marks a significant step forward in Freeman’s mission to expand access to high-quality, compassionate healthcare throughout Southeast Kansas.

“This has been an exciting, and very long journey with many working diligently to support the reopening of this hospital! The overwhelming support and positive response from the community has been humbling and we are so honored to join the Fort Scott community and reopen a hospital and emergency department for the Bourbon County residents, assuring they have access to inpatient and emergency care,” said Renee Denton, Chief Executive Officer of Rural Hospitals.

The last time Fort Scott residents enjoyed access to a full-service, hometown-based hospital was 2018, which has forced local residents to seek medical treatment in communities 30-plus minutes away.

“We are thrilled to open our doors in Fort Scott and begin serving this vibrant community,” said Matt Fry, Freeman Health System President and Chief Executive Officer. “This achievement is a testament to the dedication, collaboration, and tireless efforts of community stakeholders and our entire team. We are deeply proud to bring Freeman’s standard of care to the people of Southeast Kansas.”

Freeman officials first announced the six-bed emergency department and 10-bed acute care hospital – located at 401 Woodland Hills Blvd. – to a crowd of nearly 150 local residents in June 2024.

“We had a staff huddle this morning and I told them, ‘It’s a great day to open a hospital,’” said Anita Walden, Chief Administrative Officer at Freeman Fort Scott Hospital, Inc. “Today is the culmination of 14 months in the making, and it’s been a lot of hard work by a lot of people to make today even possible. Of course, the support from the citizens of this community and from Bourbon County has been overwhelming.

“Our success will be dependent on the community utilizing the services of our hospital,” she added.

Freeman officials were notified Wednesday evening that the hospital had successfully passed the Kansas licensure survey. The survey is a rigorous process that ensures hospitals meet the highest standards of safety, quality, and patient care. Passing this survey affirms Freeman’s readiness to provide exceptional healthcare services in Fort Scott — and reflects the strength of the organization’s culture and commitment to excellence. Now, attention turns to passing a credentialing survey conducted by Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) officials.

Freeman Fort Scott Hospital offers a range of services designed to meet the needs of the local community, with a focus on accessibility, innovation, and personalized care. The opening represents not only a physical expansion, but also a cultural one — reinforcing Freeman’s values of compassion, collaboration, and community investment.

Freeman Health System extends its heartfelt thanks to every team and community member who contributed to this achievement. Their dedication and teamwork made this moment possible — and their continued efforts will shape the future of healthcare in the region.

For more information about Freeman Fort Scott Hospital, Inc. and the services offered, visit freemanhealth.com.

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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 2025, Freeman earned dozens of individual awards for medical excellence and patient safety from CareChex®, a quality rating system that helps consumers evaluate healthcare providers and their experiences. With more than 320 physicians on staff representing more than 90 specialties, Freeman provides cancer care, heart care, neurology and neurosurgery, orthopedics, children’s services, women’s services, and many others for all of the Four State Area. Freeman is also involved in numerous community-based activities and sponsored events and celebrations. Additionally, in the Joplin/Pittsburg areas, Freeman is the only Children’s Miracle Network Hospital in a 70-mile radius. For more information, visit freemanhealth.com.

Fort Scott, Freeman Fort Scott Hospital, Health Care

Fort Scott Freeman Hospital and Emergency Department Opens Today

September 4, 2025 Loretta George 3 Comments

At the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce Coffee this morning, Fort Scott Freeman Hospital Board members Lindsay Madison and Don Doherty announced they had received notice that the hospital and emergency department, long-awaited by the community, is open today. The hospital is located at 401 Woodland Hills, the former Mercy Hospital building.

More information will be provided as it becomes available from Freeman Hospital staff.

Freeman Fort Scott Hospital, Health Care

Freeman Fort Scott Hospital Coming Soon

August 23, 2025 Loretta George 1 Comment

Freeman Fort Scott Hospital’s main entrance. The hospital shares a building with several other entities.

Almost everything is in place, people hired and just a few items left to open Freeman Fort Scott Hospital and Emergency Department, at the former Mercy Hospital.

The building is owned by Kansas Renewal Institute, with Freeman and other entities leasing from them.

On August 22, local officials, community leaders, along with Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce members were invited to hear from Freeman Fort Scott Hospital leaders and take a guided tour of the newly repurposed facility at 401 Woodland Hills Boulevard to view the progress.

Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Lindsay Madison welcomed the Freeman staff and expressed the community’s gratitude for Freeman Hospital coming to our community.

Anita Walden, Freeman Fort Scott Hospital Chief Administrative Officer, told the attendees that the process “has been a collaborative effort with a lot of people…there are still a few minor things that need to happen.”

The community will play a vital role in supporting access to quality healthcare here by using the emergency department and the hospital for their healthcare needs, she said.

To open, three government surveys need to take place and one has taken place, on August 18.

This brings the six-bed emergency department and 10-bed acute care closer to fruition.

The multi-million-dollar project is still on track to open at the end of 2025, Freeman officials said in the press release.

To view the press release:

https://fortscott.biz/news/freeman-fort-scott-hospital-inc-achieves-significant-milestones

The signage on Hwy. 69, just east of the Freeman Fort Scott Hospital and Emergency Department location.

The Emergency Department

The Freeman Fort Scott Emergency Department is located on the south side of the building.

Dr. Mark Brown, the Freeman Fort Scott Hospital Emergency Department’s Director, is from the Coffeyville area. He will also serve as the medical staff president.

Freeman Fort Scott Emergency Department check-in area.

There are six beds in the emergency department, and it will have a physician 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Dr. Mark Brown is the new Freeman Fort Scott Hospital Emergency Department Medical Director.

Freeman has leased Suite A in the clinic area of the building, and Gregory King, a Family Nurse Practitioner at Freeman Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine, will be housed there as soon as possible, said Anita Waldren in a group tour of the facility.

Brown told the tour group the hospital will have two nurses and one technician at all times, serving the 10-bed hospital. There will be eight semi-private and two private rooms on the medical floor.

Covering medical services at Freeman Fort Scott Hospital will be local doctors, Dr. Katrina Burke, Dr. Richard Kellenberger, and Dr. P.K. Gugnani, Walden said during the tour.

Nurses on duty during the group tour were from left: Kristen Stahl, Nicole Edds and Juanita Young.

The outpatient services check-in office is located near the emergency department.

The outpatient services waiting area is adjacent to the emergency department.

Brief History of the Community’s Health Care

Located on the city’s southside and adjacent to Hwy. 69, the facility has housed no hospital since the closing of Mercy Hospital Fort Scott in December 2018.

Mercy Hospital served the community from 1886 until 2018, and closed, citing “patients leaving the area to seek health care services in larger communities and declining reimbursement, especially from government payers, which make up the largest source of revenue,” according to Mercy’s announcement in 2018.

https://fortscott.biz/news/mercy-hospital-fort-scott-to-close

Ascension Via Christi provided an emergency department at the facility from 2019 until 2023. Their decision to close operations was “was made after a thorough analysis of trend data, patient census, and the current and future challenges and opportunities facing this facility,” according to AVC’s announcement in 2023.

https://fortscott.biz/news/ascension-via-christi-to-close-emergency-department-in-fort-scott-on-dec-20

The facility also houses other entities: