By Lucky Kidd
LINDSBORG, Kan. — Lindsborg Community Hospital administrator Larry Van Der Wege announced his resignation Friday after 26 years at the hospital, having served about 17 as administrator. Department managers were notified of his decision earlier in the day, after which an email was sent to LCH employees.
That email said, “For all 28 years of my healthcare career, I have been blessed to work for either Salina Regional Health Center, Lindsborg Community Hospital or both together. The first two were with SRHC as a physical therapist and the last 26 with LCH.
“Going on 17 years now, I have had the incredible opportunity to lead a wonderful group of people as the CEO/Administrator in my hometown. It is a 24/7 role that I have hopefully performed with the skill and commitment that LCH and Lindsborg deserves.
“I am resigning my position as Administrator of Lindsborg Community Hospital to seek other ways to advance healthcare in Kansas. I will be going to work as the Director of Regulatory Affairs and Preparedness with the Kansas Hospital Association. Fortunately, it is a hybrid position where Rebecca and I can still live in our hometown, with commuting to Topeka weekly.”
Van Der Wege anticipates his final day will be around Nov. 15.
In a memo to employees from Joel Phelps, CEO of Salina Regional Health Center, Joel commented: “Larry will be missed and has done a great job over the years at LCH. I/we wish him well and look forward to the opportunity to continue working with him in his new role at the Kansas Hospital Association.” Phelps said he plans to have a group meet late next week to discuss their next steps in regard to a recruitment process for a replacement.
There will be a celebration for Van Der Wege, to be announced at a later date.
