TOPEKA, Kansas (January 15, 2019) – The University of Kansas Health System St. Francis Campus (St. Francis Campus) and Tallgrass Surgical Center announced today that they have signed a letter of agreement for the hospital to acquire the surgery center.

“With healthcare’s growing consumer focus, patients tell us they want convenience, better access to care, and more options,” commented UKHS St. Francis CEO Steve Anderson. “Tallgrass Surgical Center offers all of these and is a first-class surgical facility, staffed by well-trained, high-performing professionals. We look forward to welcoming them to our family.”

Tallgrass President and orthopedic surgeon Dr. Benedict Figuerres stated, “We have earned a reputation for surgical excellence and have provided award-winning patient experiences since our founding in 2002. Becoming part of St. Francis’ cohesive system of care will give our patients and surgeons seamless access to the resources of a major hospital, improving the coordination of care across all settings.”

Tallgrass is a multispecialty surgery center which houses three operating rooms and one procedure room. Its specialty focus includes general surgery, gynecology, ophthalmology, orthopedic surgery, otolaryngology, pain management, plastic surgery, podiatry, retinal procedures, urology, and weight loss surgery.

The transaction is expected to close during the first quarter of 2019, subject to customary regulatory approvals and closing conditions.

About The University of Kansas Health System St. Francis Campus

The University of Kansas Health System St. Francis Campus is proud to be a part of a long legacy of high-quality, compassionate care. St. Francis Hospital began serving its community in 1909 as the mission of a group of Catholic nuns who rose up to meet a need. Today, St. Francis Campus is jointly owned by The University of Kansas Health System and Ardent Health Services. It has 378 licensed inpatient beds, 14 primary and specialty care clinic locations, and a history of technological advancements and dedicated staff.

About Tallgrass Surgical Center

Tallgrass Surgical Center opened as a freestanding multi-specialty ambulatory surgery center in December 2002. It is independently owned by a group of physicians and was designed to reflect the way they would want to be treated as patients. The center offers a warm and comfortable setting with friendly, personal attention intended to reduce the apprehension frequently associated with surgery.

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Nancy Burkhardt
The University of Kansas Health System
St. Francis Campus
785-295-8932
Nancy.Burkhardt@kutopeka.com