Following a period of delay and discussion, Liberty Hospital has now officially become part of the University of Kansas Health System. The announcement was made by the health system, stating that Liberty Hospital joined their organization on July 1. Located in Liberty, Missouri, a suburb of Kansas City, the health system also runs 15 primary and specialty care clinics.
Despite some concerns raised by elected officials in Missouri about the merger, the health system and Liberty Hospital announced in May that they had finalized their deal. Raghu Adiga, MD, the hospital’s top executive, now holds the title of CEO of the Liberty Market for the University of Kansas Health System. Adiga noted on LinkedIn that it has been a thoughtful journey to join the University of Kansas Health System.
Bob Page, president and CEO of the University of Kansas Health System, expressed enthusiasm about Liberty Hospital joining their health system, stating that they are excited about their future together. Page emphasized their commitment to honoring Liberty Hospital’s 50-year legacy and their belief in making the next 50 years even better.
Adiga also mentioned that joining the health system would help secure the future viability of Liberty Hospital and provide greater access to top healthcare in the Northland, Kansas City’s suburban region above the Missouri River. He stressed the importance of strong healthcare for a strong community, believing that the relationship not only strengthens Liberty Hospital but also the Liberty community and the entire Northland.
However, the merger faced some turbulence in Missouri. Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey had previously stated that Missouri lawmakers needed to approve the merger. Despite this, both the health system and Liberty Hospital disagreed with Bailey’s assessment and decided to move forward. At one point, some Missouri lawmakers were even considering legislation to block the deal, causing concern among hospital officials. Dennis Carter, president of Liberty Hospital’s board, warned that if the deal fell through, a for-profit system might acquire Liberty Hospital and cut essential services.
Tammy Peterman, president of the University of Kansas Health System’s Kansas City division, highlighted the shared commitment to putting patients first as well as providing the best care and service. She looked forward to the new opportunities the acquisition would bring.
About 35% of the University of Kansas Health System’s patients come from Missouri. Missouri has seen another major healthcare merger recently, as BJC HealthCare and Saint Luke’s Health System completed their merger on January 1, forming the BJC Health System, which now operates 24 hospitals and more than 250 clinics.