Five Kansas hospitals form partnership focused on rural needs

EMPORIA (KSNT) – Five independent Kansas hospitals have formed a new partnership in an effort to meet the changing healthcare needs of rural communities. Newman Regional Health announced on Tuesday that it has joined Amberwell Health, LMH Health, The University of Kansas Health System and Salina Regional Health in forming the shared-services organization 'Astra Health.' According to a news release, these hospitals serve more than 500,000 patients annually across the Sunflower State. Organizers said the partnership will enhance care and reduce costs for patients while helping the hospitals maintain their independence and benefit from a larger network. 'Through Astra Health, independent hospitals are proving that we can achieve the strength and scale of a larger system without giving up the local identity, relationships and decision-making our communities value,' said Cathy Pimple, CEO of Newman Regional Health in a press release on Sept. 8. 'By working together, we can improve quality, lower costs and ensure Kansans continue to have access to exceptional care close to home.' The hospitals will initially share information and resources. Astra Health will also provide management services and investments for the Kansas Clinical Improvement Collaborative network and its members. 'Our communities expect excellent care close to home, and they want their hospital to remain strong and independent,' said Dr. Shelly Kortkamp, LMH Health president and CEO. 'Astra Health allows us to invest together in quality improvement, data resources, and innovation that will help our local hospitals continue to thrive as we deliver exceptional care for the people who depend on us.' For more information about this partnership, click here. For more Kansas news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here. Follow Matthew Self on X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/MatthewLeoSelf