[Chanute, KS] May 14, 2026 — Neosho Memorial Regional Medical Center (NMRMC) and Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center (SEKMHC) officially announced the finalization of the purchase agreement of the Ashley Clinic by the medical center. The property will transfer ownership on May 28, 2026. 

This an important step forward in preserving access to quality healthcare for area residents,” Wendy Brazil, NMRMC CEO said.

As part of the transition, NMRMC will acquire the Ashley Clinic building in Chanute and will assume operations of two additional clinic locations including the Community Care Clinic, Humboldt, and the Ashley Clinic in Iola.  

“This transition is about maintaining and building on what already works—our people, our quality of care, and our long-standing commitment to the communities we serve,” Wendy Brazil, NMRMC CEO said. 

“We are pleased with the outcome of this process and the shared vision of all parties to preserve access to local care. It took mutual commitment of both governing boards and our medical community to come this far, this quickly,” she added.

 “SEKMHC and NMRMC have a long-standing history of delivering excellent care to Southeast Kansas. This transition allows each organization to focus on providing services within their area of expertise, while ensuring continuity of care for patients,” Doug Wright, SEKMHC COO/Interim CEO said.

 “SEKMHC and NMRMC will continue to coordinate care for shared patients in order to deliver the highest level of care. Our two organizations will continue to work closely together to make this transition as seamless as possible for patients,” he added.

Patients can expect continuity in both services and relationships, as many familiar providers and staff members will remain in place. Under the new structure, the clinic and hospital clinic will combine as NMRMC Family Medicine and see patients in the former Ashley Clinic locations in Chanute, Humboldt and Iola.

“The hospital and area clinic staff work with one another on a daily basis. We are proud of our working relationships and our shared focus on quality patient care,” Brazil added.

The transaction involves the purchase of the Chanute building and excludes the acquisition of former business operations, such as accounts receivable, billing, or other business functions. 

“By joining together, we’re able to strengthen our services while keeping care local, personal, and aligned with community needs. Operating as NMRMC Family Medicine Clinic maintains continuity of service and avoids re-certifying a new medical practice with regulatory agencies and insurance companies which can be a long and arduous process. We believe it is in everyone’s best interest to keep services running as smoothly as possible.”    

Integration brings expanded access to shared resources, including enhanced technology, broader clinical support, and improved care coordination. At the same time, the clinic medical providers maintain their patient relationships, their strong local presence and focus on meeting the unique needs of the communities served. 

Ashley Clinic patients will continue to receive care at the same location(s), with minimal disruption during the transition. Transfer of ownership will occur on May 28, 2026. The Convenient Care Clinic in Chanute will keep normal hours during the transition while provider offices at all Ashley Clinic offices and NMRMC Family Medicine Clinic will be closed Thursday and Friday and reopen on Monday, June 1, 2026. Beginning June 1, NMRMC Family Medicine Clinic patients will begin to see their providers at the 505 S. Plummer location.

Family Medicine Providers
After May 28, 2026, the following providers will see patients at the following locations:

505 South Plummer Avenue, Chanute Kansas, 66720:

Martin Dillow, MD, David Guernsey, MD, Bruce Lee, DO, Greta McFarland, MD, Robert Thomen, MD, Mackenzie Wahl, MD, Erika Dick, APRN-C, Monique Dickinson, APRN-C, Amy Hunt, PA-C, Candice Morris, APRN-C, Gennie Mullen, APRN-C, Mallori Smith, PA-C, Randall Tindle, APRN-C

1323 Georgia Road, Humboldt, Kansas, 66748:

Kelli Eccles, APRN-C, Robert Thomen, MD, Kathi Yokum, APRN-C

401 South Washington Avenue, Iola, Kansas, 66749:
Timothy Spears, DO Leigh Scharff, APRN-C

Clinic Transition Dates
Memorial Day – Ashley Clinic Convenient Care will be closed for the federal holiday.
May 26-30 – Convenient Care will be open normal business hours.
May 27 – NMRMC Family Medicine Clinic transition day
May 28 -29 – Moving and staff training days 
June 1 – NMRMC Family Medicine and the former Ashely Clinic reopen at the 505 S. Plummer location.
June 1–30 –  Some patients may experience a slightly  longer registration process as information is entered into the new computer system. 

“This partnership allows us to stay true to our mission and preserve access to primary care services,” Brazil said. “Together, the hospital, SEKMHC, and the Ashley Clinic are working together to ensure that families have access to the care they need, for years to come.”

MEDIA CONTACT
Patricia Morris
NMRMC Communications Officer
patricia_morris@nmrmc.com
620-432-5311