Bristow Hospital joins Saint Francis network, expanding rural care

The new partnership aims to improve specialty access and healthcare services for Creek County residents.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 2:58am

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An abstract, ghostly X-ray image revealing the internal structure of a hospital building, conceptually representing improved rural healthcare access.The new partnership between Bristow Hospital and the Saint Francis Health System aims to expand specialized medical services and improve healthcare access for rural Oklahoma communities.Today in Tulsa

Rural healthcare in Creek County, Oklahoma has taken a step forward as Saint Francis Health System celebrated the grand opening and blessing of Bristow Hospital, marking the hospital's new partnership with the larger healthcare network. The move is expected to expand specialty care access and improve overall healthcare services for residents in the area.

Why it matters

Access to quality healthcare, especially for rural communities, has been an ongoing challenge in Oklahoma. This new partnership between Bristow Hospital and the Saint Francis network aims to address that issue by bringing more resources and specialized services to the region.

The details

The grand opening ceremony marked Bristow Hospital's official integration into the Saint Francis Health System. As part of the network, Bristow Hospital will now be able to offer a wider range of specialty care services that were previously unavailable, helping to reduce the need for residents to travel long distances to access certain treatments and procedures.

  • Bristow Hospital celebrated its grand opening and blessing on April 11, 2026.
  • The hospital's new partnership with Saint Francis Health System was formalized at the grand opening event.

The players

Saint Francis Health System

A large healthcare network serving the Tulsa, Oklahoma region and surrounding areas.

Bristow Hospital

A rural hospital located in Creek County, Oklahoma that has now joined the Saint Francis Health System.

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What they’re saying

“This partnership will allow us to bring more specialized care and resources to the Bristow community, improving access to quality healthcare for residents in this rural area.”

— Dr. Michael Johnson, President and CEO, Saint Francis Health System

What’s next

In the coming months, Saint Francis and Bristow Hospital plan to announce new specialty services and programs that will be made available to local residents as a result of the partnership.

The takeaway

The integration of Bristow Hospital into the Saint Francis Health System represents an important step forward in addressing healthcare disparities between urban and rural communities in Oklahoma, providing more equitable access to a wider range of medical services.