Fort Scott hospital, open since 1886, announces they will close by end of year

Officials say Mercy Hospital in Fort Scott will close by the end of the year. Mercy officials said on Monday that declining patient numbers and reduced reimbursements from government programs, which is the largest source of the hospital’s revenue, led to the decision. The statement said hospital officials tried for months to find a way to keep hospital services in the community of about 7,800 people in southeast Kansas. The hospital, which opened in 1886, is a 46-bed acute care center. It is expected to close Dec. 31.

(Read more: Great Bend Post)