2022 YEAR IN REVIEW: New North Central Kansas Medical Center Opens in Concordia

As we enter into the final days of 2022, this week KNCK News is beginning our annual look back, revisiting some of the biggest stories from the past year.

A new, single-story, state-of-the-art health care facility in North Central Kansas began seeing patients in November 2022.

Formally known as Cloud County Health Center, the North Central Kansas Medical Center name was assumed once they opened the door to their new facility, located at 155 W. College Drive in Concordia, last month.  The new name embodies their goal of providing quality medical care to the entire region.

Leaders from the hospital, Salina Regional Health Center, the City of Concordia, and hundreds of community members gathered on October 28, 2022 to celebrate the grand opening of North Central Kansas Medical Center.  Hospital Board Chairman Phil Gilliland said the strength of a community can be linked to the presence of health care, providing emergency medical care and preventative care to those in need, while also employing hundreds of individuals and driving the local economy.

In March 2021, hundreds of community members and Cloud County Health Center administrators, board members and employees gathered for the groundbreaking of the new hospital in Concordia.

Hospital Administrator Dave Garnas said the new $40.35 million facility is a result of their desire to serve those in the North Central Kansas area looking for top-tier care.

The North Central Kansas Medical Center's strategic partnership and affiliation with Salina Regional Health Center provides its patients with an incredible menu of healthcare options and access to providers across a wide system.

Joel Phelps, President/CEO of Salina Regional Health Center, says they're invested in the Concordia community's success and this new facility fulfills their commitment to quality care for the residents of North Central Kansas.

A loan through the United States Department of Agriculture was used to finance the construction of the new hospital.

United States Senator Jerry Moran of Kansas spoke at the ribbon cutting ceremony and he told KNCK News he learned long ago that in the absence of health care communities struggle to survive.  Senator Moran said the new North Central Kansas Medical Center ensures Concordia and Cloud County has a future.

The brand new North Central Kansas Medical Center opened its doors to patients on November 16, 2022.

Desiring a viable re-use of the former hospital property in a manner that improves the community, the hospital Board of Trustees voted unanimously to gift the previous hospital land to the City of Concordia land bank for the purpose of developing moderate to high income housing.  The Concordia City Commission unanimously approved a Development Agreement with Cloud County Health Center for donation of the property in September 2022.

The city intends to develop a new residential subdivision at 1100 Highland Drive.

Garnas says housing isn't just a need for the hospital, but a need for every employer in the county, and they are pleased to take the first step in growing the community.

This month, the Concordia City Commission authorized City Manager Amy Lange to sign an agreement for surveying services with Campbell & Johnson Engineers P.A. to plat the subdivision.  The property must be replatted into lots appropriately sized for residential development.

The platting process includes a boundary and topographic survey, as well as the establishment of street rights-of-way and utility easements.  Work will be coordinated with demolition of the old hospital building so as not to interfere with demolition and to provide accurate information helpful to future construction of homes on the property.