Since Freeman Fort Scott Hospital first opened to the public on September 4, Freeman physicians and nurses have treated 747 patients inside the Emergency Department and are caring for, on average, one or two patients per day inside the Medical Unit.

Anita Walden, Chief Administrative Officer, couldn’t be more pleased with those numbers.

“We have seen steady traffic from both the Fort Scott residents and surrounding areas who are thrilled to have accessible, high-quality healthcare close to home once again,” Walden said. “We are extremely pleased with the response from the community.” 

The six-bed Emergency Department and 10-bed acute care Medical Unit, located at 401 Woodland Hills Blvd., first opened to the public less than two months ago. It’s the first time since 2018 that Fort Scott and Bourbon County residents have enjoyed access to a hometown-based hospital. Between 2018 and mid-2025, residents were forced to seek medical treatment in nearby communities such as Pittsburg, Kansas and Nevada, Missouri.

Due to this multi-year gap without localized healthcare, feedback from Fort Scott-area residents has expressed both relief and gratitude, Walden said.

“Many have shared that having Freeman reopen the hospital has given them peace of mind, knowing that quality care is available without the burden of traveling out of town to receive those services,” she said. “The atmosphere throughout the hospital has been upbeat. There’s a real sense that healthcare access has been restored in a way that truly matters to local families.”

During the first 24 hours open to the public, Freeman Fort Scott Hospital ED staff treated seven patients, including a local resident suffering from a heart attack. He was rapidly diagnosed, stabilized, and transferred to a catheterization lab at Freeman Hospital West in Joplin.

“This story is not unique,” Walden said, “as there have been several similar stories where life-saving treatment has been administered. Stories like this demonstrate the importance of the care being provided here, and our commitment to providing life-saving care to this community.”

Freeman Fort Scott Hospital offers a range of services designed to meet the needs of the local community, with a focus on accessibility, innovation, and personalized care.

“Words cannot capture how proud I am of our team,” Walden said. “Opening a hospital requires incredible collaboration and resilience, and our hospital team has demonstrated both in abundance. Their professionalism and community spirit have set the tone for a strong, patient-centered culture here at Freeman Fort Scott.”

For more information about Freeman Fort Scott Hospital, Inc. and the services offered, visit freemanhealth.com.