The University of Kansas Cancer Center Expands in the Northland

The University of Kansas Cancer Center is expanding in the Northland with new locations opening this summer in Briarcliff and Liberty Hospital. Ranked in the top one percent nationwide, the cancer center's growth demonstrates a commitment to providing leading cancer care close to home.

In addition, the expansion will increase patient access to clinical trials and advanced treatment options.

The Briarcliff location will open in June 2025 and initially provide medical oncology and hematology exam and limited infusion services. This new location will expand in the fall to offer all oncology infusion services with an on-site pharmacy and lab. This location will include 24 infusion chairs, 10 exam rooms, two consult rooms and laboratory and pharmacy space.

"We are excited to be able to extend our exceptional oncology care so that more people in the Northland will have access to nationally recognized cancer care close to home," said Jeffrey Holzbeierlein, MD, FACS, vice president and physician in chief, The University of Kansas Cancer Center. "Patients in the Northland deserve to have access to the very best cancer care, so we are investing and expanding to ensure even more people in our region experience superior cancer care close to home."

At the same time, a cancer center location will open at Liberty Hospital in summer 2025. Like the Briarcliff location, it will be a phased opening, initially offering medical oncology exam and infusion and adding radiation oncology in the fall.

"We intentionally joined The University of Kansas Health System to extend the reach of the highest quality healthcare – especially nationally recognized cancer care – to the Northland and beyond. Soon people will have access to The University of Kansas Cancer Center at Liberty Hospital, putting advanced cancer care within a convenient driving distance," said Raghu Adiga, MD, CEO of the Liberty Hospital (which joined The University of Kansas Health System in 2024). "We are thrilled to bring world-class care close to home.

With the addition of the Briarcliff and Liberty Hospital sites, the cancer center has 16 locations throughout Kansas and Missouri.

KPGZ News – Jill Chadwick contributed to this story.

Liberty Hospital and University Of Kansas Sign Agreements

The Liberty Hospital Board of Trustees and The University of Kansas Health System announced definitive agreements were signed on Wednesday, May 1, for Liberty Hospital and its clinics to join The University of Kansas Health System.

Liberty Hospital’s decision to become part of The University of Kansas Health System followed an extensive, transparent and thoughtful process by Liberty Hospital and its elected Board of Trustees to assess and select the best partner for its patients, physicians, employees and the community.

“Today marks a tremendous step in our journey as the premier provider of health and well-being in the Northland. This partnership will ensure the future of Liberty Hospital and our ability to meet the growing healthcare needs of people in the Northland and northwest Missouri,” said Raghu Adiga, MD, president and CEO of Liberty Hospital, “We are excited to bring world-class healthcare to our patients, for our employees to experience the benefits of academic medicine, and for our community to enjoy the economic growth and local opportunities we expect from this partnership. This is truly a special, historic day for us and for those we serve.”

As part of The University of Kansas Health System, Liberty Hospital will expand access to high-quality healthcare for current and future patients in the Northland, including a more seamless experience receiving primary, specialty and subspecialty care.

“As the region’s largest locally headquartered health system, we are committed to ensuring patients and their families in our region have access to the highest quality care close to home,” said Bob Page, president and CEO of The University of Kansas Health System. “As a health system, we put patients first in every decision we make. We believe and have proven when you make quality and service your priorities and have the very best people supported in the best and right ways, great things happen. We are excited to have the leaders, physicians, nurses, other care providers and employees of Liberty Hospital join our health system and look forward to serving even more people in our region and beyond.”

“Today, 35% of health system patients come from Missouri,” said Tammy Peterman, MS, RN, FAAN, president of the health system’s Kansas City Division. “As Liberty and the Northland continue to grow, it is important patients can get the necessary care close to home. This agreement will not only allow us to treat more patients overall, but also offer access to those with the most complex care needs at 39th and Rainbow and other locations.”

Liberty Hospital and The University of Kansas Health System previously announced in November 2023 the organizations had signed a Letter of Intent for Liberty Hospital to join the health system. Since then, leaders from both organizations have conducted due diligence to reach definitive agreements.

“As a life-long Liberty resident, I am excited about the hospital’s future as part of The University of Kansas Health System,” said Dennis Carter, chairman of the Liberty Hospital Board of Trustees. "We appreciate the overwhelming support we have received from providers, employees and the Northland for this partnership, which will ensure people receive the highest quality care close to home.”

“I’m excited about the opportunities to expand access to the highest quality care to more people in the Kansas City area,” said Robba Moran, chair of The University of Kansas Hospital Authority Board. “The care provided by The University of Kansas Health System is unmatched in this region, and the ability to continue to grow access to this care with organizations like Liberty Hospital is part of our mission.”

 Brian Watts contributed to this story.