FRONTENAC, Kan. — Freeman Health System announced Wednesday that it will not build a hospital in Frontenac, as it had planned.
“After two years of due diligence, the study revealed significant challenges that prevent them from moving forward responsibly,” a news release stated.
Freeman hosted a groundbreaking ceremony in March for the 170,000-square-foot hospital, but in May, Matt Fry, the newly appointed chief executive officer, announced that a feasibility study needed to be conducted before work on the facility could commence.
A release sent Wednesday stated the study was completed and considered multiple factors, “including the unpredictable impact of pending legislation such as the ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ and evolving challenges in rural healthcare. These variables, unknown at the start of the process, contributed to the final decision.”
The hospital would have provided a variety of medical services including emergency, oncology, intensive care, in- and out-patient surgery, sports medicine, behavioral health, medical education and many other services.
“Due diligence is not a snapshot in time, it’s a continuous process,” Fry said in the release. “The conditions that existed two years ago no longer reflect the current reality.”
According to the release, Freeman was initially approached by community leaders in Southeast Kansas due to a gap in quality healthcare services.
“Since that time, other organizations, including Freeman Health System, have stepped in and successfully filled that gap, significantly changing the healthcare landscape in the region,” the release stated.
County Commissioner Tom Moody reached out to The Morning Sun, relating a phone conversation in which he told Fry, “I find it kinda fishy that you made this decision after the dog-and-pony show put on at the groundbreaking.”
Freeman representatives, including then-CEO Paula Baker, attended Frontenac City Council meetings often, prior to the feasibility study announcement, and updated city officials on progress.
“While we’re disappointed, I want to be clear: this was not a reflection of Frontenac’s infrastructure, readiness, or performance as a working partner,” Frontenac Mayor Steve Morrison said in response to Freeman’s announcement. “From day one, our city worked closely with Freeman and their contractors, providing full support and cooperation throughout.”
“Should Freeman—or any organization—choose to expand into Southeast Kansas in the future, Frontenac is here. We welcome all suitors looking for a great place to call home.”
This reporting is made possible, in part, by the Support Local Journalism Project Fund. Learn more at: southeastkansas.org/Localnews
