HaysMed
Leaders at Hays Medical Center (HaysMed) and Gove County Medical Center are pleased to announce a formalized strategic partnership designed to strengthen rural health care delivery in Quinter and across Gove County.
Today, the Board of Trustees at Gove County Medical Center approved and signed the final partnership agreement, culminating a thoughtful process of due diligence and collaboration following the letter of intent signed in early 2025.
With this agreement now official, the transition is underway. The partnership will take effect in early 2026.
This new chapter builds on a long-standing alliance between the two hospitals. As an official partner hospital of HaysMed, Gove County Medical Center will now be managed by HaysMed, enabling deeper alignment with the region’s only tertiary care center.
The goal: to improve lives through shared resources, advanced technology, and expanded clinical services, all while preserving Gove County Medical Center’s local leadership and community investment.
“This partnership reflects our mutual and unwavering commitment to keeping health care local, sustainable and strong,” said Conner Fiscarelli, chief executive officer at Gove County Medical Center. “It’s a proactive step to ensure our patients, staff and neighbors across the county continue to thrive in today’s challenging healthcare environment.”
Terry Ostmeyer, President of Gove County Medical Center’s Board of Trustees, emphasized the importance of community-based oversight.
“This is not a merger or acquisition,” he said. “Rather, it’s a collaborative affiliation model that strengthens our local mission while opening doors to broader capabilities. We are excited to deepen our long-standing relationship with HaysMed, an organization that shares our values and vision for advancing rural health in our community.”
Modeled after HaysMed’s successful partnership with Pawnee Valley Community Hospital in Larned, this affiliation will allow Gove County Medical Center to maintain its name, identity and governing board while benefiting from access to resources typically not available to small rural hospitals.
In Kansas, almost 60% of rural hospitals are at risk of closure, driven by workforce shortages, shrinking reimbursement rates, and rising operational costs.
Many are being acquired by national health systems. Gove County Medical Center, however, has chosen a different path—one that prioritizes local control, long-term stability, and high-quality care.
“As the health care landscape grows more complex, we believe in forming partnerships that keep care rooted in the community,” said Eddie Herrman, president and chief executive officer at HaysMed. “Gove County Medical Center is a well-respected provider, and we’re honored to help support its growth and sustainability. This is rural health reimagined — collaborative, forward-looking, and focused on people.”
Benefits of the partnership for Gove County residents include:
- A shared, fully integrated electronic health record (EHR) system that enhances continuity of care and patient safety across care settings.
- Expanded access to on-site specialty care, with HaysMed specialists traveling to Gove County.
- Investment in infrastructure, clinical support and workforce development, tailored to the needs of the community.
While HaysMed will provide operational leadership and integration support, Gove County Medical Center will continue to be governed by its locally elected board of trustees. The hospital’s mission, values and dedication to community-focused care remain unchanged.
Implementation efforts will continue throughout the winter, with regular updates planned to keep patients, staff, and community members informed at every stage.
For more information and updates, visit gcmc.org/rural-health-reimagined.