“Freeman and Labette Health have worked together for many years, and we will now work even more closely with the outstanding physicians and clinical and non-clinical staff alike within both organizations,” said Paula F. Baker, Freeman President and Chief Executive Officer. “Freeman and Labette Health are responding to the growing demand for additional healthcare options in the communities we serve. By working closely with Labette Health, the spectrum of services available through the two organizations will significantly increase.
“Additionally, Freeman is fully committed to helping support growing healthcare needs in Southeast Kansas. The resources provided through this collaboration will play a vital role in ensuring the overall health of these communities.”
For Parsons and the surrounding areas, more life-saving and life-changing services will be available, enabling patients to receive the healthcare they need without having to drive to larger cities. Freeman and Labette Health will provide patients with convenient access to a comprehensive range of services.
“Labette Health is dedicated to providing exceptional healthcare – centered around you,” said Brian A. Williams, Labette Health President and Chief Executive Officer. “This exciting collaboration agreement brings two independent hospitals with nationally ranked quality together to share resources, develop standardized patient measures and use common tools and techniques to improve patient care and create a work environment where healthcare professionals can thrive.”
“We’ve had a long-standing informal relationship with Freeman Health System,” said Perry Sorrell, Labette Health Board of Trustees Chairman. “Through this collaboration agreement, we formalize that relationship and take this strategic step to ensure Labette Health remains independent while serving Southeast Kansas far into the future.”
Because the two healthcare entities will be working jointly, the collaboration will enable them to further promote their missions and accomplish their goals. They will further join forces to identify additional outreach specialties required to support the healthcare needs in and around Joplin and Parsons. Both will engage in joint-planning to foster improved access to care, improved quality of clinical care and enhanced provider-staff relationships.
About Freeman Health System
Locally owned, not-for-profit and nationally recognized, Freeman Health System includes Freeman Hospital West, Freeman Hospital East, Freeman Neosho Hospital and Ozark Center – the area’s largest provider of behavioral health services – as well as two urgent care clinics, dozens of physician clinics and a variety of specialty services. In 2018, Freeman earned dozens of individual awards for medical excellence and patient safety from CareChex®, a quality rating system that helps consumers evaluate healthcare providers. The Leapfrog Group awarded Freeman the highest grade possible in the Spring 2018 Hospital Patient Safety Score. With more than 300 physicians on staff representing more than 70 specialties, Freeman provides cancer care, heart care, neurology and neurosurgery, orthopaedics, children’s services and women’s services. Additionally, Freeman is the only Children’s Miracle Network Hospital in a 70-mile radius. For more information, visit freemanhealth.com.
About Labette Health
Labette Health, serving a six-county area since 1961, is a 99 bed licensed hospital that provides acute, intensive and inpatient rehabilitation services. Labette Health serves southeast Kansas with clinics in Altamont, Chanute, Cherryvale, Erie, Independence and St. Paul, including an emergency department at the Independence Healthcare Center and three express care locations – Parsons, Chanute and Independence. Labette Health, renowned for its comprehensive healthcare services, state-of-the-art technology and skilled medical staff, is a 5-star rated hospital by CMS and has earned national recognition for patient safety. Labette Health has earned numerous quality awards by CareChex, including ranking in the top 10 percent of hospitals nationwide for patient safety and medical excellence as well as national recognition by U.S. News and World Report for knee replacement. For more information, visit labettehalth.com or facebook.com/LabetteHealth.