The agreement reports KU will invest $324 million over a 12-year period, with at least half of the capital commitment spent within the first seven years, following the deal closing.
For Dr. Raghu Adiga, chief executive officer, Liberty market, University of Kansas Health System, calls the first year a merger of two entities that are “very compatible.”
“It’s really been a mutual benefit,” he explained. “It has been about mutual respect.”
Adiga said he again reassures Northlanders that those knowledgeable about community needs are still in
“KU provides additional resources,” he said. “However, they have seen some of our strengths too.”
The first phase of The University of Kansas Cancer Center in Liberty opened June 10.
Liberty Hospital is one of three cancer center sites in the Northland. Medical oncology exams are also available in Briarcliff, and the Green Hills location will remain open, ensuring continued access to care.
“With the three in the Northland, we are looking at around 185 cancer specialists,” he said. “We are going to have to recruit talent in many areas such as hospitalists, neurologists and orthopedists. This takes time.”
The center is located on the ground floor of the Medical Plaza East building, 2529 Glenn Hendren Drive.
The second phase will include radiation oncology which is expected to open in September or October. Patients will have access to medical oncology exams and infusion services this summer, with radiation oncology services launching this fall. Construction should wrap up by late November or early December.
As for other expansion and service improvements, Adiga said there are plans for nine more exam rooms at the Shoal Creek Clinic and improvements to IT.
“The cyber event proved we need more enhanced systems for security,” he said. “It’s 1,800 laptops and desktops. It’s about bringing in new software.”
Adiga said there are plans to upgrade operating rooms.
“We continue to align ourselves with KU and the patient care and quality they have,” he said. “We have Five-Star Goals for 2,000 employees.”
All employees are currently going through all-day Five-Star Customer Service Training which includes modified orientation to the health system.
Leadership also is going through additional training about culture.
“It’s a long process,” Adiga said. “Physician employmen is now under KU employment. It’s a bigger system.”
Adiga said he expects another two to three years for full integration.
“Sure there are challenges, but there are also opportunities,” he said. “It takes time to understand each other. It’s fundamentally about what is best for patients. We plan to go slow and do it right.”