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Warrensburg, Mo. and Marshall, Mo. — October 16, 2026 — Expectant mothers in the Marshall area will continue to have access to obstetric care through a new partnership between Western Missouri Medical Center (WMMC) and Missouri Valley Regional Medical Center (MVRMC). Together, the two organizations are creating a coordinated care plan that allows patients to continue receiving prenatal care in Marshall, transition to WMMC in Warrensburg for delivery and return to Marshall for their women and pediatric care.
As part of the partnership, James Kerns, MD, will join WMMC’s Obstetrics and Gynecology team. Dr. Kerns has provided OB/GYN care in Marshall since 2020 through Fitzgibbon Hospital and MVRMC and will continue caring for his established patients.
“Access to maternity care is a growing concern for rural communities, and families deserve a clear, supported path to care,” said Darinda J. Dick, President/CEO of WMMC. “By working together, we can create a coordinated path for families to continue prenatal care in Marshall and receive delivery care at WMMC. That kind of regional partnership is essential to sustaining maternal care in rural communities.”
The partnership comes as MVRMC discontinues inpatient labor and delivery services effective Sept. 30, 2026. Patients currently receiving care from Dr. Kerns can continue seeing him for prenatal care in Marshall through approximately 34 weeks of pregnancy. At approximately 34 weeks, patients will transition their care to WMMC in Warrensburg for the remainder of their pregnancy and delivery. After delivery, patients will return to Marshall for postpartum and pediatric care.
This means patients have flexibility where they see Dr. Kerns for prenatal appointments before 34 weeks, while having a clear plan to transition to WMMC for the final weeks of pregnancy and delivery.
“We are pleased to partner with WMMC to continue supporting the obstetric needs of families in our community,” said Abdullah Arshad, MD, President of Acute/Post-Acute Care for Missouri Valley Regional Medical Center. “This partnership allows us to work together to provide continuity for patients during this transition. Patients can continue seeing Dr. Kerns through most of their pregnancy in Marshall, before transitioning to WMMC for delivery. Our teams are committed to making that transition as smooth as possible for patients and their families.”
WMMC’s Birth Center welcomes more than 700 families each year and provides care throughout pregnancy, labor and delivery, and recovery. The team includes board-certified OB/GYNs, experienced labor and delivery nurses, a dedicated Maternity Navigator and International Board-Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs) who support families before, during and after birth.
Families delivering at WMMC have access to private, fully equipped labor and delivery suites, family-centered cesarean care, TOLAC/VBAC support, rooming-in, Level I NICU services and breastfeeding support. The Maternity Navigator provides one-on-one guidance throughout pregnancy, delivery and recovery, including help coordinating appointments and connecting families with additional resources.
Dr. Kerns brings more than 35 years of experience in obstetrics and gynecology to WMMC. He is board certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology and has served in a variety of physician, medical director and medical education roles throughout his career. He has provided OB/GYN care in Marshall since 2020.
MVRMC’s Marshall Women’s Care clinic will remain open and continue providing gynecological and reproductive health care, as well as prenatal and postpartum care. Patients will continue to have access to these services in Marshall, while WMMC will provide care for delivery in Warrensburg.
Additional information about appointments, care transitions and delivery at WMMC will be shared directly with patients as plans are finalized.
Acerca del Centro Médico del Oeste de Missouri
Western Missouri Medical Center (WMMC) is a fully accredited, county-owned healthcare system based in Warrensburg, Missouri, proudly serving Johnson County and surrounding communities. As an independent, not-for-profit medical center, WMMC is committed to providing high-quality, compassionate care.
WMMC provides a broad range of inpatient and outpatient services, including emergency and time-critical care, obstetrics, surgical services, primary and specialty care, rehabilitation, and diagnostic imaging. With a strong focus on patient experience, clinical excellence, and community health, WMMC continues to invest in advanced technology, dedicated providers, and innovative services to meet the evolving needs of the region. Learn more at wmmc.com and follow Western Missouri Medical Center on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.
About Missouri Valley Regional Medical Center
Missouri Valley Regional Medical Center, formerly Fitzgibbon Hospital, is a community hospital serving Marshall, Saline County, and the surrounding region. Operated by American Medical Administrators, Inc. (AMA), the hospital provides essential inpatient, outpatient, emergency, and specialty healthcare services close to home.
AMA is committed to strengthening local healthcare through continued investment in the hospital’s people, facilities, technology, and services. Our focus is on building a strong, sustainable future for Missouri Valley Regional Medical Center while ensuring patients and families throughout the region continue to have access to high-quality, dependable care for years to come.