Effective March 21, 2023, masks are optional for patients, visitors and staff at North Kansas City Hospital and Meritas Health. The shift from mandatory to optional masking is based on internal and external COVID-19 levels.
“Our patients, employees and community have supported our efforts throughout the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Stephen Reintjes Sr., MD, president and CEO of NKCH and MH. “The internal and external data show we can continue to provide a safe environment for our patients with masks optional.”
Masking will continue in appropriate circumstances, including:
- NKCH and MH caregivers will return to routine infection prevention requirements.
- Clinical areas that required masks before the pandemic will continue to do so.
- Masks are mandatory in operating and procedural rooms, areas of respiratory isolation and where appropriate to prevent infection.
- Staff will wear a mask upon patient request while providing care.
Health system leadership will continue to track local and national health conditions.
About North Kansas City Hospital and Meritas Health
For more than 65 years, North Kansas City Hospital has been the Northland's preferred healthcare provider. Our mission is to provide hope and healing to every life we touch.
NKCH is an acute care facility with 451 licensed beds and 550 physicians representing 49 medical specialties. From our award-winning cardiovascular and orthopedic programs to our cancer, emergency, neuroscience, spine, women’s and other services, we provide a lifetime of care.
Through our Meritas Health subsidiary, NKCH offers the largest network of physician practices in the Northland, with more than 280 primary and specialty care doctors and advanced practice providers in 35 convenient locations, including an express care clinic in the 64th Street Hy-Vee store.
Our accreditations demonstrate our commitment to providing quality healthcare, including:
- American Nurses Credentialing Center Magnet®designation
- Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services four-star rating
- The Joint Commission Gold Seal of Approval® and certification for Comprehensive Cardiac Center, Advanced Total Hip and Total Knee Replacement, and Primary Stroke Center
Our oncology partnership with The University of Kansas Cancer Center provides patients with access to clinical trials and state-of-the-art radiation therapy.
Our mission, vision and values reflect a strong commitment to the health and well-being of our employees, the Northland community and beyond. U.S. News & World Report ranked NKCH High Performing in nine procedures and conditions and named NKCH a Best Regional Hospital. Forbes honored NKCH as one of America’s Best Midsize Employers, ranking NKCH the top midsize hospital and health system in the Kansas City area and No. 148 midsize company in the nation.
Each year NKCH serves more than 24,000 people through its dynamic Community Health & Wellness programs.