Category Archives: Freeman Fort Scott Hospital

Fort Scott, Freeman Fort Scott Hospital, Health Care

Freeman Fort Scott Hospital Opens Following Successful Kansas Licensure Survey

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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

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The reception area of the Freeman Fort Scott Hospital.

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

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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:

Kansas Renewal Institute owns the building and leases space to the other entities. It is located on the main floor.
Southeast Kansas Mental Health offices are located on the main floor.
The Ashley Clinic is in Suite B of the building’s clinic area.
I Am Rehab and Fitness is located on the ground level.
Diamonds in the Rough Beauty Salon is located on the ground level.

TFI, Foster Care and Child Welfare Services office is located on the ground level of the building as well.

Freeman Fort Scott Hospital, Health Care

Freeman Fort Scott Hospital, Inc. Achieves Significant Milestones  

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Attendees listen as a Freeman Fort Scott Hospital employee gives a tour today.

 

Countdown’s Begun

                                     

In the past 30 days, Freeman Fort Scott Hospital, Inc. has achieved several significant milestones, bringing the six-bed emergency department and 10-bed acute care hospital closer to fruition.

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

Independent surveys underway

On Monday, August 18, Freeman officials learned that Freeman Fort Scott Hospital, Inc. – located inside the city’s former hospital site at 401 Woodland Hills Blvd. – successfully passed the critical life safety physical plant survey, which was conducted on July 23. The survey is a comprehensive assessment of the medical facility to ensure it meets standards and regulations related to fire and life safety.

This was the first of three surveys the hospital must complete, said Anita Walden, Freeman Fort Scott Hospital, Inc.’s chief administrative officer.

“The passing of that first survey now triggers the second required survey, which is the state licensure survey,” she said.

A state licensure survey is a formal evaluation conducted to ensure a health care facility complies with state laws and regulations regarding the provision of care, patient safety, and overall operations.

Officials with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) have received notification that the hospital has passed the life safety survey and are now ready for the licensure survey, which will be conducted by their office.

“We are currently awaiting notification from KDHE of when they will be onsite to perform the survey,” Walden said. “Our hope is this survey will take place in the next few weeks.”

Following a successful state licensure survey, the Freeman facility must then pass a credentialing survey conducted by Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) officials. The public will be notified when the hospital is ready to open for business.

“We’ve been hearing from multiple community leaders, businesses, and residents about their eagerness to see us open, and I can promise you we are working diligently to make that happen,” Walden said. “We just appreciate the community’s support and their patience as we near opening day.”

Medical Director named

Dr. Mark Brown, a Freeman doctor and Kansas native, was recently named medical director over Freeman Fort Scott Hospital, Inc.’s emergency department.

“This is a rare opportunity to be able to open a new emergency department and to expand Freeman’s footprint in Southeast Kansas,” Dr. Brown said. “This gives us the ability to provide emergency care to the residents of Fort Scott and the surrounding region that has been without acute care for some time.”

Fort Scott has been without a hospital since 2018, and a dedicated emergency room since late 2023.

“I myself grew up in rural Kansas and know how important access to quality health care and especially emergency services can be,” he said. “I spent over 20 years of my career in medicine, working as a paramedic in rural Kansas. I have seen firsthand how rural hospitals and rural emergency departments can make a positive impact on patient outcomes.”

Freeman Fort Scott Hospital, Inc.’s emergency department will provide year-round, 24/7 coverage to Fort Scott and the surrounding Bourbon County communities.

Aside from his physician medical director duties, Dr. Brown will also serve as medical staff president.

“I will be performing administrative duties as well as performing direct patient care while working shifts in the emergency department,” he said.

His licensed physicians and trained nursing staff will be well prepared to provide elite emergency care.

“Dr. Brown is a clinical expert who has been providing emergency care as a physician for 20-plus years. Before becoming a physician, he served the Kansas community as a flight paramedic, often transporting critical patients,” said Renee Denton, Freeman’s Chief Executive Officer of Rural Hospitals. “We are very fortunate that Dr. Brown has returned to the Kansas community to ensure that our patients receive expert, quality care.”

“Freeman Health System is excited to be in Fort Scott,” Dr. Brown added. “We want to be a part of this community and provided the community with the best health care possible.”

 

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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. U.S. News & World Report named Freeman Health System one of the Best Hospitals for 2022. With more than 320 physicians on staff representing more than 90 specialties, Freeman provides cancer care, heart care, neurology and neurosurgery, orthopaedics, 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, Health Care

Freeman Wins Multi-Disciplinary Quality Improvement Award

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Improving Patient Outcomes Across Multiple Clinical Specialties

                                     

Joplin, MO. – Freeman Health System has received the American Heart Association’s Commitment to Quality award for achieving high performance across three or more clinical areas in the Get With The Guidelines® program.

This is the first year for this special award level. Only 158 hospitals in the nation met the criteria for this award; hospitals earning this new award demonstrate a comprehensive approach to quality improvement. By participating in three or more Get With The Guidelines programs, they commit to using real-time data registries, evidence-based protocols and cross-disciplinary teamwork to raise the standard of care across multiple specialties.

 

“Freeman has an unwavering commitment to excellence that is exemplified through the active participation in the Get With The Guidelines Quality Registry,” said Paige Moschner, Service Line Director for Freeman’s Cardiac and Vascular Services. “By embracing evidence-based care and continuous improvement, Freeman is not only elevating cardiovascular outcomes but also setting a standard for compassionate, high-quality care in our community.”

 

Get With The Guidelines is the American Heart Association’s hospital-based quality improvement initiative that helps ensure patients are treated in accordance with the most up-to-date, research-based guidelines. Participating hospitals benefit from tools, resources and peer benchmarking to drive better patient outcomes.

 

“This award highlights the impressive commitment Freeman Health System has made to improving care across multiple disciplines,” said Donald Lloyd-Jones, past volunteer president of the American Heart Association and current volunteer chair of the Association’s Quality Oversight Committee. “By taking a systems-level approach to quality, these hospitals are building a foundation for better outcomes, fewer complications, and stronger communities.”

 

 

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Freeman Fort Scott Hospital

Freeman Recognized for Providing High-Quality Cardio Care

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American Heart Association’s Awards Showcases Life-Saving Care

                                     

Joplin, MO. – Freeman Health System has received five American Heart Association Get With The Guidelines® achievement awards for demonstrating commitment to following up-to-date, research-based guidelines for the treatment of heart disease and stroke, ultimately leading to more lives saved, shorter recovery times, and fewer readmissions to the hospital.

Heart disease and stroke are the number 1 and number 5 causes of death in the United States, respectively, according to American Heart Association data. Studies show patients can recover better when providers consistently follow treatment guidelines.

Get With The Guidelines puts the expertise of the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association to work for hospitals nationwide, helping ensure patient care is aligned with the latest evidence- and research-based guidelines. As a participant in the Get With The Guidelines programs, Freeman qualified for the awards by demonstrating how their organization has committed to improving quality care.

“Freeman is committed to improving care by adhering to the latest treatment guidelines and streamlining processes to ensure timely and proper care for heart attacks and strokes,” said Paige Moschner, Director of Cardiac and Vascular Services at Freeman Heart & Vascular Institute. “Get With The Guidelines programs make it easier for our teams to put proven knowledge and guidelines to work on a daily basis, which helps us ensure more people in Southwest Missouri experience longer, healthier lives.”

This year, Freeman received the following achievement awards:

* Get With the Guidelines – Coronary Artery Disease STEMI Receiving Center – Gold Plus Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll

* Get With the Guidelines – Stroke Gold Plus Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll

* Get With The Guidelines-Coronary Artery Disease NSTEMI Gold with Target: Type 2 Diabetes

* Get With the Guidelines – Resuscitation Silver – Pediatric

* Get With the Guidelines – Resuscitation Target Survival

“These awards show Freeman Health System’s commitment to caring for those in their community who need cardiovascular care,” said Donald Lloyd-Jones, past volunteer president of the American Heart Association and current volunteer chair of the Association’s Quality Oversight Committee. “By following the American Heart Association’s quality improvement protocols, Freeman can help realize our shared vision of improved patient outcomes, fewer readmissions, and lower mortality rates—a win for health care systems, families, and communities.”

 

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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 2024, 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. U.S. News & World Report named Freeman Health System one of the Best Hospitals for 2022. With more than 320 physicians on staff representing more than 90 specialties, Freeman provides cancer care, heart care, neurology and neurosurgery, orthopaedics, 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.

 

 

 

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About Get With The Guidelines

Get With The Guidelines® is the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s hospital-based quality improvement program that provides hospitals with the latest research-based guidelines. Developed with the goal of saving lives and hastening recovery, Get With The Guidelines has touched the lives of more than 14 million patients since 2001. For more information, visit heart.org.

 

Area News, Freeman Fort Scott Hospital, Health Care

Local Students Graduate From Freeman Health System Nursing School

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Some of the nearly 30 nurses who will be joining Freeman Health System once they pass their NCLEX exams. Submitted phot

 

Mission Accomplished

Dozens of New Graduate Nurses Recognized During Special Ceremony  

 

Joplin, MO. – Nearly 30 nurses were warmly welcomed into the Freeman fold Tuesday night during a graduation ceremony that’s unique to this area.

Resembling athletic signing day celebrations often seen at high schools and universities nationwide, these graduate nurses – who have completed their two years of schooling but have yet to take their National Council Licensure Examinations (NCLEX) to become registered nurses – inked their signatures on dotted lines while loved ones looked on and future Freeman co-workers cheered and applauded their accomplishments.

“I am very appreciative of those around me and how hard they’ve worked to become nurses,” said Camrie Davis, a graduate nurse who will work for Freeman orthopaedics. “Anybody who you went to school with, they all become a sort of fellowship to you.”

Nurses serve as linchpins to any functional hospital or healthcare system, said Freeman Health System President and Chief Executive Officer Matt Fry, speaking to the assembled graduate nurses and their families at the Ron Richard Athletic Center on the Missouri Southern State University campus.

“A patient spends five percent of their time with physician and about 95 percent of their time with a nurse or nurse tech,” Fry said, “So, it is truly vital to us that we bring nurses into our system who are consistent with our mission, vision, values. I think we’re confident today that everyone joining the team fits that bill.”

The graduate nurses recognized during the ceremony included: Shelby Blythe, Karen Gonzalez, Aiddenn Vanatta, Jadyn Fox, Victorea Stephenson, Jaylen Evans, Adeline Vanderpool, Karleigh Schoenberger, Paige McIntire, Amber Opel, Alexia Ingold, Esmeralda Martinez, Jacob Pearce, Danielle Russell, Mickayley McCluney, Heather Autry, Blair Wilson, Taylor Young, Madison Burkhart, Amanda Weaver, Rylie Tyer, Dylan Byrd, Camrie Davis, Molly Kesler, Mackenzie Droessler, Megan Blair, Brittney Clark, and Anistyn Honey.

To learn more about Freeman Health System’s nursing programs, 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 2024, 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. U.S. News & World Report named Freeman Health System one of the Best Hospitals for 2022. With more than 320 physicians on staff representing more than 90 specialties, Freeman provides cancer care, heart care, neurology and neurosurgery, orthopaedics, 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, Fort Scott, Now Looking At Fall Opening 

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Closer to Completion: Freeman Health System is Providing for the Future of Fort Scott

                                     

Fort Scott, KAN. – Freeman Fort Scott Hospital, Inc. is still on track to open in 2025, with officials now looking at a fall timeline for the 10-bed general medical unit and 24-hour emergency department to be fully open and operational.

 

Because Freeman Health System is renovating the interior of an existing building – the city’s former hospital at 401 Woodland Hills Blvd. – a vast majority of the progress taking place inside isn’t readily visible to Fort Scott and Bourbon County residents.

Regardless, all the work is progressing smoothly. When renovating a building of this size, however, it’s crucial to update everything inside to meet current building and safety codes and standards, meaning it must comply with current regulations for safety, structural integrity, and accessibility, said Renee Denton, Freeman Neosho Hospital’s Chief Operating Officer.

 

“I think it’s important for us to remember that the previous hospital operations and facility met required codes during that timeframe,” Denton said. “The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) requires that we open the facility according to current regulatory codes. Until we were able to begin the renovations, we were not able to lay eyes on every element that the state would require. Because of that, there are significant changes that need to occur to make certain that we update to the most current life-safety regulations.

“To be certain we address all elements to bring our leased area up to current code, we are finding that there are some improvements needed that have timelines not within our control,” she said.

 

The new hospital represents a critical need for the community. Fort Scott had been without a hospital since 2018, forcing local residents to seek medical treatment in communities 30-plus minutes away.

“I am pleased that, in my opinion, Freeman is doing everything that is controllable to bring Fort Scott an emergency room and hospital as soon as possible,” said Don Doherty, Chairman of the Freeman Fort Scott Hospital, Inc. Board of Directors.

 

Plenty of work has been underway at the former hospital building during the past year, including evaluating infrastructure capabilities needed to support the overall computer system, operability, and building the electronic medical record; evaluating and sorting through discarded equipment to determine what is operable; and identifying all new laboratory, radiology, and pharmacy equipment needed to support the new hospital and emergency department.

 

“We are 100 percent committed to getting that hospital up and going,” said Freeman President and Chief Executive Officer Matt Fry.

 

Along with the formation of the hospital’s six-member board of directors, Freeman held a job fair which resulted in the hiring of 39 new employees to operate the new hospital once it’s up and running later this year. The new employees are currently moving through the orientation process, but there’s room for more. Apply today by visiting jointeamfreeman.com.

 

“Staff already hired will be completing their orientation at various times over the next several weeks,” Denton said. “The plan to support staff who will be finished with orientation before the facility is fully operational is being communicated to those affected employees. Our goal is to be certain we take care of our employees and support them through this process.”

 

 

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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 2024, 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. U.S. News & World Report named Freeman Health System one of the Best Hospitals for 2022. With more than 320 physicians on staff representing more than 90 specialties, Freeman provides cancer care, heart care, neurology and neurosurgery, orthopaedics, 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, Health Care

Freeman Health System Breaks Ground for New Frontenac Hospital 

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Submitted graphic.

Freeman Health System Breaks Ground for New Southeast Kansas Hospital  

                                     

Frontenac, KAN. – With ceremonial shovel scoops of dirt, what was once a wind-swept Southeast Kansas soybean field will quickly transform into Freeman Health System’s newest full-service hospital.

Wearing her iconic pink hard hat while gripping a gold-colored shovel, Freeman President and Chief Executive Officer Paula Baker led selected dignitaries – including Frontenac Mayor Steve Morrison and Frontenac City Manager John Zafuta – through the much-anticipated groundbreaking ceremony for the 50-bed, 170,000-square-foot Freeman Southeast Kansas Hospital.

“Today we mark a historical first for Freeman Health System and the entire region,” Baker said. “We’re honored and grateful for this opportunity to improve healthcare in Southeast Kansas and beyond.”

The $168 million hospital, located on Highway 69, is set to serve a significant healthcare need.

“The region,” Baker said, “deserves the best, and that’s why we’re building here.”

Freeman Health System hired HMN Architects of Overland Park, Kansas, to design the hospital.

The construction project will be completed in three phases, over a 24- to 34-month time period, Baker said during her speech. Phases include:

  • Site development, utilities, and roadways;
  • Construction of a two-story Ambulatory Surgery Center, with the top floor dedicated to medical and physician offices; and
  • Construction of Freeman Southeast Kansas Hospital itself.

The new Freeman hospital will provide much-needed emergency care; cardiac care, including a catheterization laboratory; an ICU; maternity care; pediatrics; outpatient and inpatient surgery – including robotic procedures; medical and radiation oncology; pulmonary care; radiology; and other key services.

Freeman engineers, Baker said, are working with City of Frontenac engineers to design and upgrade sewer and water infrastructure to serve the hospital and the future of the community.

“Frontenac officials began planning for water and sewer upgrades several years before we selected this site,” she said during her speech. “The timing couldn’t be better, because they are nearly ready to start construction of a new water tower, with new pumps and piping.”

Freeman Health System is also coordinating with Kansas Department of Transportation and recently conducted a comprehensive traffic study projecting the impact of increased traffic at the hospital site, Baker said.

Once completed, the new hospital is expected to create 500 to 1,000 jobs for the area. The health system, the largest employer in the region, already serves Southeast Kansas with primary and specialty care clinics, an outpatient surgery center, and a comprehensive medical oncology program. Just down the road, Freeman will open this year a 24/7 emergency department and 10-bed acute care hospital in Fort Scott, Kansas.

“This is truly a dream come true for Freeman Health System, and for me personally, because I grew up in Pittsburg and will always hold the area close to my heart,” Baker said.

 

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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 2024, 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. U.S. News & World Report named Freeman Health System one of the Best Hospitals for 2022. With more than 320 physicians on staff representing more than 90 specialties, Freeman provides cancer care, heart care, neurology and neurosurgery, orthopaedics, 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, Health Care

Freeman Hospital Groundbreaking Ceremony Near Frontenac is March 7

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Continued Steps Forward

 Groundbreaking Ceremony Set for Freeman Southeast Kansas Hospital

 

What: Groundbreaking for Freeman Southeast Kansas Hospital

 

When: 10:00 am Friday, March 7, 2025

 

Where: Take US Route 69 north through Pittsburg and Frontenac. Turn right off US Route 69 at East 600th Ave. – look for Freeman arrow signs for the turn (and large Chicken Annie’s restaurant sign). On East 600th Ave. heading east, the groundbreaking parking area is located to the left on 50-acre hospital site.

 

Background: Freeman Health System will break ground for the long-awaited Freeman Southeast Kansas Hospital Friday morning.

Freeman President and Chief Executive Officer Paula Baker, accompanied by a distinguished list of Frontenac, Pittsburg and Cherokee County dignitaries, will don hard hats and grab shovels to officially launch the state-of-the-art building’s construction.

The $168 million, 50-bed hospital will offer a full array of comprehensive care, including an emergency department, cardiac services and catheterization lab, an intensive care unit, maternity, pediatrics, outpatient/inpatient surgery – including robotic procedures – as well as medical and radiation oncology, among other key services. Overall, the hospital will create at least 500 to 1,000 new jobs in Pittsburg.

 

 

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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 2024, 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. U.S. News & World Report named Freeman Health System one of the Best Hospitals for 2022. With more than 320 physicians on staff representing more than 90 specialties, Freeman provides cancer care, heart care, neurology and neurosurgery, orthopaedics, 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 In Fort Scott Issues Board Appointments

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Jay Leek, Don Doherty, Paula Baker
Jay Leek,  Michael Zafuta, Don Doherty, Paula Baker, Greg Motley and Lindsay Madison were announced today as the Freeman Health System Board of Directors at Fort Scott.

Six Named to New Freeman Fort Scott Hospital, Inc. Board of Directors 

                                     

FORT SCOTT, Kan. – Freeman Fort Scott Hospital, Inc. has formally appointed an inaugural board of directors, a significant milestone in developing the new Bourbon County-based hospital to best serve its residents and the surrounding communities.

The six-member board, representing multiple businesses and professions, includes:

  • Paula Baker, Freeman Health System President and Chief Executive Officer
  • Dr. Michael Zafuta, Freeman orthopedic surgeon
  • Don Doherty, Financial Advisor with Northwestern Mutual
  • Lindsay Madison, President and Chief Executive Officer of Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce
  • Jay Leek, Chief Financial Officer at Beachner Companies of Fort Scott
  • Gregg Motley of Fort Scott

 

Doherty has been elected Board Chairman. The governing body will oversee the new hospital’s operations, financial health, quality of care, and overall direction – ensuring everything aligns with the community’s needs.

“When I was asked about considering being a board member, I had to really take time to consider this honor. However, I really want this hospital and emergency room to be here long after I am gone from this life,” Doherty said. “People should not have to fear where they will take their kids, elderly parents, themselves, or anyone in the event medical care is needed.”

The other members of the board, he added, “are really good, smart, professional, and honest people in my opinion. I am fortunate to serve with them.”

Until the new Freeman hospital was announced in June, 2024, Fort Scott had been without a hospital since 2018. The hospital’s attached emergency department managed to stay open until it, too, closed in late 2023, forcing local residents to seek medical treatment in communities 30-plus minutes away.

“I saw and heard the fear from people,” Doherty said, describing the mood of the community’s 7,600 residents when the former hospital at 401 Woodland Hills Blvd. closed its doors for good. “Many considered moving away. Some did move away. Everyone experienced some type of fear for either themselves or others.”

Immediately after Freeman’s Paula Baker announced the establishment of a 10-bed acute care hospital and 24-hour, six-bay emergency department in Fort Scott, deep worries from a vast majority of city and rural residents evaporated almost immediately, Doherty said. In fact, after the public announcement was made for the new hospital, Baker was surrounded by overjoyed Fort Scott residents, some of them wiping away tears.

“From individuals to schools to businesses, everyone is more peaceful now,” Doherty said.

Renovations are now underway and Freeman officials are currently in the process of preparing for licensure surveys. The hospital is expected to open this spring. The health system – Southwest Missouri’s largest employer – will lease the space from Kansas Renewal Institute, which purchased the former hospital building located in south Fort Scott.

“My goal (as board chairman) is to listen to what the community is saying, to discuss it in an accurate and honest approach to Freeman officials, and to help get the best outcome possible for a hospital and emergency room established in our community,” Doherty said.

 

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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 2024, 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. U.S. News & World Report named Freeman Health System one of the Best Hospitals for 2022. With more than 320 physicians on staff representing more than 90 specialties, Freeman provides cancer care, heart care, neurology and neurosurgery, orthopaedics, 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.

Bourbon County, Fort Scott, Freeman Fort Scott Hospital, Health Care

Freeman Fort Scott Hospital, Inc. job fair is being held on Tuesday, February 11

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Sending on behalf of Chamber Champion Member

Freeman Health System

In preparation for the much-anticipated opening of Freeman Fort Scott Hospital, Inc., a job fair is being held.

Tuesday, February 11th

11am-6pm

located at the future hospital’s location, 401 Woodland Hills Blvd.

This is an opportunity for Freeman to recruit and for individuals to explore the available job opportunities.

There are currently 60-plus openings for the new Freeman hospital. These positions include:

  • RN – Acute Care
  • RN – Emergency Department
  • Social Worker
  • Respiratory Therapist
  • Nurse Tech – Acute Care
  • Nurse Tech – Emergency Department
  • Network Engineer
  • Desktop Support Specialist
  • Administrative Assistant
  • Courier
  • Supply Chain Technician
  • Admissions Representative Specialist
  • Monitor Tech
  • Medical Technologist
  • Medical Laboratory Technician
  • Laboratory Medical Assistant
  • X-Ray/C-T Technologist
  • Vascular Sonographer
  • Pharmacist in Charge
  • Pharmacy Tech

**Hiring managers will be available during the job fair and will have additional information about various openings.

Freeman Health System, the region’s largest provider of healthcare services, is in the process of seeking licensure to open and operate a 10-bed hospital and 24-hour emergency department with licensed physicians and trained nursing staff. Support for the emergency department includes laboratory, radiology, computerized tomography and an inpatient pharmacy. Opportunities to have outpatient lab, radiology and CT services will also be available to the community from the hospital.

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 2024, 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. U.S. News & World Report named Freeman Health System one of the Best Hospitals for 2022. 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

Click HERE to visit Freeman Health Facebook Page.
Thank you to our Chamber Champion members below!
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street | Fort Scott, KS 66701 US