Several years ago, the City of Great Bend issued Industrial Revenue Bonds to private investors for land east of Great Bend Regional Hospital. The Hospital’s lease payments over the years have assisted with paying the investors.

This spring, the University of Kansas Health System announced an intent to purchase the operations of Great Bend Regional Hospital and its affiliated clinics.

Great Bend City Attorney Bob Suelter says KU Medical wants to pay off all the bonds and take over ownership of the land.

Bob Suelter Audio

Suelter says this will allow the University of Kansas Health System the opportunity to expand the hospital if they choose. When it was a doctor-owned hospital, Regional was limited on the amount of expansion they could do.

Suelter added KU Medical is planning on closing the sale of Great Bend Regional Hospital in early August.