Via Christi to Expand Emergency Care in East Wichita

Via Christi is planning to increase access to emergency care in East Wichita by developing Ascension Via Christi East ER, a freestanding emergency department near the intersection of E 21st Street N and N 127th Street E. Preliminary plans are to complete the 10-month construction project in mid-2027.

Approximately 40 physicians and associates will staff the new 11,250-square-foot emergency department, which will include two triage rooms, ten treatment rooms, advanced imaging technology including an X-ray and CT scanner, and an onsite laboratory. More than 10,000 patients are expected to receive care annually at the site. Patients needing continuing or specialized treatment can be seamlessly transferred to one of Via Christi's hospitals.

"This new emergency department will make it easier for families in the growing east side of Wichita to access high-quality, compassionate care close to home," said Christopher Dodson, Chief Strategy Officer of Via Christi. "By bringing 24/7 emergency expertise directly to this neighborhood, we are strengthening our ability to meet the needs of those we're privileged to serve and ensuring they have a direct link to the specialized care provided across our hospital campuses. It's about being there for our community during their most urgent moments."

The new facility will serve as an access point for emergency care in one of the city's most active corridors for both residential growth and commercial expansion.

Howard Chang, MD, Medical Director of Via Christi St. Francis' emergency department said, "Access to timely care is the cornerstone of emergency medicine, and this new site ensures that East Wichita residents have that resource in their own backyard. When every minute matters, access to care close to home can save lives. "

An official groundbreaking will occur after finalizing designs and obtaining regulatory approvals. The 10-month project is expected to be completed in 2027.

The announcement of the new facility follows the March groundbreaking of the Ascension Via Christi West ER at the northwest corner of Kellogg and 119th.