On Thursday, October 19, the Liberty Hospital Board of Trustees voted to pursue a partnership with The University of Kansas Health System. The board’s decision marks a major milestone in Liberty Hospital’s search for a strategic growth partner, an extensive process that began last May.

During the coming days, leaders at Liberty Hospital and The University of Kansas Health System will work together exclusively to finalize a non-binding Letter of Intent (LOI). The signing of the LOI will define alignment, identify shared goals for a strong partnership and begin all remaining due diligence to determine the terms of a final agreement.

“From the outset, we focused on finding a partner who will invest in increasing access to high-quality care, offers a great cultural fit, and upholds our commitment to the community and our employees,” Raghu Adiga, MD, Liberty Hospital’s president and chief executive officer, said. “We believe The University of Kansas Health System is uniquely positioned to support us in bringing world-class clinical excellence to the Northland and northwest Missouri, making exceptional healthcare as close and convenient as it can be.”

While the specifics are still being determined, hospital leaders agree the partnership will be mutually beneficial – and most importantly, it will improve access to high-quality healthcare north of the river. Through this partnership, Liberty Hospital will have the opportunity to expand services and enhance patient experience with greater access to innovative treatments, specialists and a seamless continuum of care. As a Kansas City-based academic health system, The University of Kansas Health System will have the opportunity for a broader presence in the Northland and northwest Missouri.

Bob Page, president and chief executive officer of The University of Kansas Health System, says this is an opportunity to expand access to the leading edge of healthcare. “Liberty and the region deserve access to the highest quality care close to home. Together, we can deliver the full spectrum of care while keeping care local.”

Tammy Peterman, MS, RN, FAAN, president of the health system’s Kansas City Division, said, “We share with Liberty Hospital and its leaders a commitment to a patient-first approach focused on quality and service. Our proven ability to recruit and retain world-class talent, and the ability to partner with the Liberty Hospital medical staff and teams to expand access to groundbreaking treatments locally, will create an impact for patients and the community for generations to come.”

The immediate next step in the process is to finalize the LOI. The final agreement is expected to be announced in the coming months, as Liberty Hospital approaches its 50th anniversary celebrations in February 2024. In the meantime, all care and operations will continue as usual for both health systems; nothing is changing for Liberty Hospital patients or employees.

“A partnership of this caliber takes time to plan, but we remain committed to transparency and will continue to provide updates as the process continues,” said Dennis Carter, chairman of the Liberty Hospital Board of Trustees. “We sincerely thank every health system who joined us in this exploration – extraordinary enterprises, all of them – and we look forward to the many possibilities ahead with The University of Kansas Health System.”

Liberty Hospital has been sharing updates online throughout this exploration. To follow along, visit libertyhospital.org/herewegrow.