Background
Patterson Health Center represents the culmination of a vision that began in 2013, driven by Neal Patterson, co-founder of Cerner Corporation, a Kansas City-based healthcare software giant. Completed in 2019, this state-of-the-art facility emerged from the merger of two critical access hospitals in Anthony and Harper, Kansas. This new hospital, centrally located, offers 16 inpatient beds and features a spacious emergency room, serving as a Level IV Trauma Center. Additionally, it houses expanded rural health clinics and specialty outpatient services, creating a comprehensive healthcare hub for the region.
The consolidation of these two hospitals into one modern facility is a rare success in the face of nationwide rural healthcare challenges. Rural hospitals have faced significant financial difficulties, with over 100 closures across the country since 2010, and more than 20 closures in just the past few years. Patterson Health Center's creation is a testament to the innovative approach needed to address these struggles.
The vision for uniting the two hospitals was propelled by Neal Patterson's challenge to bring together the two communities and their healthcare services. In response, the hospital boards worked tirelessly, engaging the community in a petition campaign to merge the hospital districts, which ultimately resulted in the expansion of Hospital District No. 6 in Harper County in 2017.
The project was made possible through the generous donation of $35 million from Neal Patterson and the Patterson Family Foundation. The hospital district also secured a USDA loan to fund necessary upgrades to the facility's information systems and hardware, enabling staff to implement advanced service models and expand the range of services offered.
This collaboration stands out as an exemplary model of a public-private partnership. Local hospital board members, the Patterson Family Foundation, Cerner Corporation, and the USDA came together to transform rural healthcare delivery. Through this partnership, Patterson Health Center has become a platform for introducing innovative technology, improving communication systems, and enhancing the overall healthcare experience in a rural setting.
