Wichita, Kan.-based Ascension Via Christi has signed a letter of intent to purchase the land and improvements associated with the former Rock Regional Hospital in Derby, Kan.
The proposed acquisition reflects Via Christi’s intent to restore inpatient services at the site and expand access to care for residents in Derby and the greater Wichita region, according to a March 11 health system news release shared with Becker’s.
Rock Regional Hospital closed in January after a federal judge allowed its eviction to proceed following a monthslong legal dispute over unpaid rent. The 30-bed hospital opened in 2019 and had faced multiple eviction notices and financial challenges for several years.
The letter of intent is nonbinding and the transaction remains subject to customary due diligence, regulatory approvals, licensing requirements and other standard closing conditions. If acquired, the system plans to evaluate future clinical service offerings based on community need and operational readiness, the release said.
Ascension Via Christi is part of St. Louis-based Ascension.
Financial details of the proposed acquisition were not available.
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