Saint Francis Health System takes over Bristow hospital to restore care

The health system aims to bring full medical services back to the rural community after years of disruption.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 11:51am

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A translucent, ghostly X-ray image showing the internal structure and equipment of a rural hospital building, conveying the restoration of vital healthcare services to the local community.An X-ray view reveals the inner workings of a rural hospital, signaling the restoration of essential medical services to the Bristow community.Today in Tulsa

Saint Francis Health System has officially taken over the Bristow hospital in Oklahoma, marking the latest chapter in the community's long struggle to maintain consistent healthcare services. The health system has committed to a five-year lease agreement and plans to restore full hospital operations after the facility had been closed for nearly two years.

Why it matters

Losing and regaining hospital services multiple times has been a major inconvenience for the 4,000 residents of Bristow, forcing them to travel long distances to access basic medical care. Saint Francis Health System's takeover represents an opportunity to stabilize healthcare in the rural community.

The details

Saint Francis Health System officially took over the Bristow hospital today, after the facility had been closed for nearly two years due to licensing issues and required repairs under previous operators. The health system plans to hold a grand opening and blessing ceremony later this morning as it works to bring full hospital services back to the community.

  • Saint Francis announced a five-year lease agreement last November.
  • The hospital was closed for nearly two years, from December 2021 when Endeavor Healthcare lost their lease to November 2023 when Carrus Health finally reopened the facility.
  • The grand opening and blessing ceremony will be held at 10 a.m. today.

The players

Saint Francis Health System

A healthcare provider that is taking over the Bristow hospital and committing to restoring full medical services to the rural community.

Bristow

A rural Oklahoma community of just over 4,000 people that has struggled to maintain consistent hospital services in recent years.

Endeavor Healthcare

The previous operator of the Bristow hospital who lost their lease in December 2021.

Carrus Health

The healthcare provider that briefly operated the Bristow hospital after Endeavor's departure, before Saint Francis took over.

Ms. Abraham

A Bristow resident who described the long drives required to access healthcare services during the hospital's closure.

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What they’re saying

“Sapulpa is probably about a 30 minute drive and Tulsa could be anywhere from 45 to an hour depending on traffic and the time of day.”

— Ms. Abraham, Bristow resident

What’s next

Saint Francis Health System plans to hold a grand opening and blessing ceremony at the Bristow hospital later this morning to mark the start of its five-year lease agreement and the restoration of full medical services in the community.

The takeaway

After years of disruption and inconsistent healthcare access, the Bristow community is hopeful that Saint Francis Health System's takeover of the local hospital will bring much-needed stability and the return of essential medical services close to home.