Liberty Hospital

The University of Kansas Health System now owns its smaller Missouri neighbor. The deal, which sparked political opposition in both states, reflects a growing trend of hospitals merging.

Liberty Hospital announced it would partner with the University of Kansas Health System to help meet growing demand in the Kansas City suburbs north of the Missouri River. But the idea of a Kansas institution taking over a Missouri hospital sparked opposition from lawmakers in both states.

Liberty Hospital in the Northland announced last month that it would partner with the University of Kansas Health System to help provide care. But the announcement is garnering some backlash from local lawmakers — rooted in the fact that it would bring a Kansas institution across state lines.

Children's Mercy Hospital says the supplier of a re-agent needed for its PCR testing did not send its shipment this week. As a result, the hospital will suspend COVID testing at emergency departments and urgent care facilities.