Just over a year ago, Newman Regional Health finalized a strategic affiliation partnership with University of Kansas Health System and LMH Health.
Newman Regional Health CEO Cathy Pimple says tangible fruits of that decision may be coming soon, following a presentation from Chris Wilson, senior vice president of business development at KU Med, during the Newman Regional Board of Trustees meeting. She says area residents can expect news directly connected to the strategic partnership through the year, although she isn’t hinting at exact programs at this time.
Pimple says there have already been positive conversations and background work around cardiology, notably with care coordination, and also when it comes to orthopedics and sports medicine — in that case, developing a partnership with Emporia State University along the way. Pimple expects additional news on orthopedics developments over the next two months.
Separately, Newman Regional Health reported having a positive ending balance for the second straight year — mostly due to more people using more programs.
Pimple says early indications point to a positive ending balance at the end of 2026 as well.
One potential challenge for the year will deal with insurance costs at a time when Medicaid’s reach is in question and a lot of other costs are going up for residents.
Meanwhile, Pimple says the federal Rural Transformation grant program is still under study at the state level after Kansas was awarded over $220 million late last year. Pimple says there is a better sense of how the money can be spent, but details are finalizing on exactly how this will bolster health care in rural areas.
Pimple tells KVOE News there could well be additional investments into the healthcare workforce and transport systems as a direct result of the grant.
