Business Wire·Sep 29, 2026, 4:15 PM ET

The University of Kansas Health System and Ardent Health Announce Plans to Transition Ownership of St. Francis Campus

The University of Kansas Health System will acquire full ownership of St. Francis Campus & affiliated care locations in Topeka from Ardent Health.
The acquisition concludes a nearly 10-year joint venture partnership that began in 2017 to stabilize the facility.
Operational responsibilities & clinical functions managed by Ardent Health will transition to The University of Kansas Health System.
Ardent Health will continue to provide operational support during a transition period defined at deal close to ensure strategic project continuity.
The transaction is subject to customary approvals & is expected to close by the end of 2026.
Patient care will remain uninterrupted during the transition, with continued access to existing providers & services.
Future integration aims to expand access to the statewide network of academic medicine while maintaining local care delivery.
The joint venture previously added over 20 new clinics & advanced cardiovascular & cancer care services while preserving jobs.