Submitted by Traci Plumlee
GARNETT/IOLA, Kan. (Sept. 9, 2024) — Saint Luke’s Health System is pleased to announce that William “Pat” Patton has been named Administrator of Saint Luke’s two Kansas-based critical access hospitals. Patton will lead and oversee day-to-day operations at Anderson County Hospital in Garnett, and Allen County Regional Hospital in Iola, spending time at both locations. His first day is Sept. 9.
“We are excited to have Pat coming on board as the new administrator for our Kansas critical access hospitals,” said Darren Bass, Saint Luke’s North and Critical Access Region CEO. “He brings a wealth of experience in leading operations for multiple facilities, including an in-depth understanding of and demonstrated success with critical access hospitals.”
Patton most recently served as president of Valir Rehabilitation Hospital, an inpatient rehabilitation facility in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Past roles also include CEO of Patterson Health Center in Harper County, Kansas, which resulted from the merger of two critical access hospitals into a centrally located critical access hospital, and as a market CEO for Kindred Healthcare, a post-acute health care services company.
“I’m impressed with the staff’s dedication not only to their patients but to one another,” said Patton. “The level of engagement among board members and their investment in their community hospitals is a bonus. I’ve been working in health care in rural communities for over 20 years, and this is right where I want to be.”
Patton earned a bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration from Wichita State University and his Master of Health Services Administration from the University of Kansas. He is a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives and has lent his expertise by serving on several boards, including the Kansas Healthcare Collaborative, Sunflower Health Network, and Wheatland Health Network, along with various committees within the Kansas Hospital Association.
Patton enjoys camping, hiking, and fishing in Colorado in his free time. He is also an avid photographer and looks forward to exploring the local trail system.