photo by: Contributed

The University of Kansas Health System St. Francis Campus.

The University of Kansas Health System will be acquiring full ownership of the St. Francis Campus in Topeka, with the transition expected to be completed by January 2027.

The St. Francis Campus has been under joint ownership between the KU Health System and Ardent Health since 2017. At the time, the hospital was facing significant financial challenges, as the Journal-World reported, and the goal of the joint partnership was to stabilize the hospital, preserve access to health care in Topeka and protect local jobs.

“This is a very important milestone for St. Francis and the communities that we serve, and reflects the strength of the system and what we have built together,” CEO of St. Francis Campus Scott Campbell said at a virtual news conference on Tuesday.

Between the KU Health System and Advent Health, the hospital expanded into a broader health system with more than 20 clinics and outpatient care sites, Joe DeSchryver, region president of Ardent Health Services, said.

“Obviously, a lot of search and work went into the collegial spirit that enabled what we think is a positive trajectory to go forward, continuing with what might be called a new chapter, a new opportunity to advance healthcare system, and to support this region,” DeSchryver said.

The campus currently employs about 1,400 people. It has also documented more than 200,000 outpatient visits and more than 8,000 hospital admissions in 2025.

DeSchryver said the hospital is now “stronger” and “more stable” and that the University of Kansas Health System is positioned to lead its next phase.

The transition is expected to occur in stages. Ardent will continue managing the hospital’s day-to-day operations for the next several months while working with the KU Health System on the transition. The KU Health System expects to transition all of the hospital’s employees by Jan. 3, 2027.

Patients should not experience disruptions to their care during the transition. They will continue to have access to the same services and providers, and officials said patients do not need to take any action at this time.

“Things were pretty dire in 2017 when we got together as a joint venture,” Bob Page, CEO of the University of Kansas Health System, said. “Today we’re much stronger, and we are ready as the University of Kansas Health System to take this organization to the next chapter of the evolution here in Topeka.”