The University of Kansas Health System and Ardent Health Services have told employees at St. Francis what the new name of hospital will be.

“We have completed an important step toward a new beginning for the associates, physicians, patients and community members who depend on St. Francis,” said Bob Page, president and chief executive officer of The University of Kansas Health System. “We are pleased to move forward with a new name that celebrates the promise of our partnership while honoring the hospital’s rich legacy.”

In an email to staff provided to 13 NEWS, St. Francis officials say once the deal to buy the hospital closes the new health center will be called, "The University of Kansas Medical Center St. Francis Campus."

"We believe the new name celebrates the promise of our new partnership while honoring St. Francis’ rich legacy," the email said.

The note to workers also provided them an update on the timeline for when the purchase will be complete. St. Francis officials said their next step is getting approval from Kansas State Attorney General Derek Schmidt's Office and other state regulatory agencies.

“The finish line is now in clear sight and we look forward to becoming a part of the Topeka community in the near future,” said David T. Vandewater, president and chief executive officer of Ardent, which will manage day-to-day operations of the health system under the joint venture agreement.

They said they expect the government to sign off on the deal in the next few weeks. That would allow them to "begin a new chapter together on or before November 1."

“Since SCL announced its intent first to close, and later to sell, St. Francis, we have been engaged in a thorough review of the proposed transaction to ensure compliance with Kansas law,” Schmidt said. “The purpose is to ensure our review is complete and does not miss any pertinent issues.”

The two-week public comment period will open at 12:01 a.m. Wednesday, October 4, and will close at 11:59 p.m. Tuesday, October 17.

Any comments that are filed will become part of the public record of the attorney general’s review. Any person wishing to file a comment may do so at the attorney general’s website at

, or by mail addressed to the Office of the Kansas Attorney General, ATTN: SFH Review Team, 120 SW 10th Avenue, Second Floor, Topeka, KS 66612-1597.