More constriction in the health care industry in southeast Kansas. Mercy Health System announces it will close the hospital in Fort Scott by the end of the year. Mercy has served Fort Scott since 1886. The hospital is reportedly working with Community Health Centers of Southeast Kansas to continue physician service for the Fort Scott area. The health system cites declining patient numbers and shrinking re-reimbursements as reasons for the closure.
Mercy closed its Independence hospital in 2015.