When it comes to business, maintaining the status quo isn’t usually good enough. That’s why it’s good to see Lawrence Memorial Hospital positioning itself for the future by purchasing property on Kansas Highway 10 in Eudora.

LMH has taken a number of steps in recent years to add new care services and solidify its position in Lawrence. In recent years the hospital has expanded into a free-standing outpatient center at Kasold Drive and Clinton Parkway and added acute rehabilitation services and a wound-healing center.

Oncology and cardiology services have been expanded, allowing patients to receive tests and treatments in Lawrence that previously had required a trip to Kansas City or Topeka. The hospital also has launched an $8 million capital campaign to help fund a $35 million project to expand and update its facilities, including improvements to the emergency and intensive care departments and its operating rooms.

Last week, LMH took further action to insure it will remain a player in the regional health care picture by purchasing 21 acres of prime property at the southeast corner of K-10 and Church Street in Eudora. Initial development at the site could include a pharmacy, physical therapy and radiology services, but the size of the tract also leaves the door open for construction of a full-service medical center sometime in the future.

The purchase signals the hospital’s intent to branch out rather than hunker down. Instead of taking a defensive stand and simply trying to hold on to Douglas County patients, LMH is being proactive with an effort to try to attract more patients from western Johnson County.

Hospitals are focused on providing caring medical treatment, but health care also has become a highly competitive field. Hospitals may be in the caring business, but if they are timidly managed, they can easily be gobbled up by the competition.

Lawrence is fortunate to have a city-owned hospital with sound, forward-looking leadership, including the notable efforts of LMH president and CEO Gene Meyer. The expansion of LMH services to the K-10 corridor shouldn’t be viewed as diminishing in any way the hospital’s commitment to serving Lawrence. On the contrary, it is a sign of renewed commitment to serving the growing needs of a growing community and standing as a strong independent health care provider for Douglas County.