Hospital Works To Keep ER Services In Independence, Kansas

Another hospital is working to keep emergency room services in Independence, Kansas when its hospital closes on October 10. 

The Parsons, Kansas hospital plans to begin negotiations with the city of Independence and Mercy Hospital this week.

The Parsons Sun newspaper reports the idea is to keep the emergency room open in Independence and station an ambulance in nearby Cherryvale, Kansas to serve both Independence and Parsons.  

In September, Mercy Hospital announced plans to close its doors on October 10 citing declining population in the Montgomery County community and shrinking reimbursements. The hospital said it came to its decision after failing to reach an agreement with Coffeyville Regional Medical Center.

9/3/2015 Related Story: Independence, Kansas Hospital To Close Next Month

With Mercy's closure, Coffeyville, Kansas would have the only hospital in Montgomery County.