GREAT BEND, Kan. (AP) — Centura Health and Hays Medical Center plan to become co-owners of St. Rose Ambulatory & Surgery Center in Great Bend.

Officials with the organizations announced the decision Monday.

St. Rose vice president Leanne Irsik said the arrangement will allow St. Rose to connect its primary and specialty care. She says Centura doesn’t have specialty groups close to Great Bend and many patients already use Hays Medical for those medical needs.

The Hutchinson News reports Hays Medical will employ and manage St. Rose staff, while the St. Rose Health Center Board will select an administrator. Centura Health and HaysMed will be equally represented on the health center’s board of directors.

The agreement is expected to be final this winter.