Newsroom

The decision signifies a collaborative commitment to expand healthcare services in the region

Olathe Health and The University of Kansas Health System have signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) for Olathe Health to join The University of Kansas Health System.

As one health system, Olathe Health and The University of Kansas Health System will enhance access to high-quality healthcare for patients across the region. Through the proposed agreement, Olathe Health and The University of Kansas Health System will create a more seamless experience for patients to receive primary and specialty care and treatment.

“We’re proud of what we have achieved as an independent health system over the past 70 years, and we are excited about joining a health system that complements our expertise and brings additional resources to better position our community for a brighter future,” Stan Holm, CHFP, FACHE, president and CEO of Olathe Health, said. “As one health system, we will be able to enhance access through even more care options close to home.”

“As the region’s only academic health system and destination for complex care, we are committed to offering patients a seamless healthcare experience,” said Bob Page, president and CEO of The University of Kansas Health System. “This is an exciting day for our health system, and for Kansas City.”

“In working with Olathe Health over the past several years, and in discussions with its leadership, we have confirmed a shared commitment to delivering the very best care for patients in our region. We are excited about the opportunities our combined resources will offer patients, providers, staff and our communities,” added Tammy Peterman, MS, RN, FAAN, president of the Kansas City Division of The University of Kansas Health System.

This LOI is the result of extensive consideration by the Boards and senior leaders of both organizations. By signing the LOI, Olathe Health and The University of Kansas Health System agree to a period of due diligence, where both organizations will spend time completing the details of a final agreement.

Key details of the LOI between Olathe Health and The University of Kansas Health System include:
• Significant investments in and enhancements over time to current Olathe Health services, facilities, infrastructure and technology
• Retention of Olathe Health associates, with Olathe Health’s senior leadership team continuing in place as part of The University of Kansas Health System
• Extension of highly specialized care to the Olathe Health service area and beyond
• Support for Olathe Medical Center’s goal to achieve Magnet Designation, the nation’s most respected designation for nursing excellence
• Strengthening current services and pursuing enhanced physician and provider recruitment at Olathe Health

Signing a LOI is an important step in securing an exciting future for healthcare in Kansas City and the region. Nothing changes today for our patients or the community as a result of this announcement, as the due diligence process could take several months to complete.

To learn more and to stay up to date in the months ahead, visit KansasHealthTogether.com.

###

About Olathe Health
Established in 1953, Olathe Health is a nonprofit regional health system powered by 2,300 associates and 350 providers. Comprised of two nationally accredited hospitals (Olathe Medical Center and Miami County Medical Center) and more than 60 care locations, the Olathe Health network serves multiple counties in the greater Kansas City area. Olathe Health is an integrated health system with a wide-ranging network of primary care and advanced specialty care in cardiology, emergency medicine, general surgery, neurology, obstetrics, oncology, orthopedics, pulmonology, spine surgery and more. By leveraging advanced technology, top talent and community partnerships, Olathe Health furthers its mission to help people through healing, health and happiness.

About The University of Kansas Health System
The University of Kansas Health System is part of the region’s premier academic health system. It includes The University of Kansas Physicians, the region’s largest multispecialty physician group. The health system is affiliated with the University of Kansas Schools of Medicine, Nursing and Health Professions, and their leading-edge research. In addition to the Kansas City metro, the health system includes hospitals and clinics in Great Bend and Topeka. Services range from routine primary care to highly specialized care for complex conditions. The health system hosts a nationally verified pediatric and adult burn center and Level I Trauma Center, as well as a leading transplant program in liver, pancreas, kidney, heart, and blood and marrow. The cancer program is part of The University of Kansas Cancer Center, one of 53 NCI Comprehensive Cancer Centers in the United States. The health system’s Kansas City hospital has received Magnet nursing designation four times in a row for the highest level of care. It has ranked every year since 2007 on U.S. News & World Report’s Best Hospitals lists. The health system receives no state or local appropriations, instead relying on operating revenue, bonding authority and philanthropy. For more information, visit kansashealthsystem.com.