Nebraska Medicine is growing alongside our communities, opening new locations to bring specialized care closer to patients’ homes. 

The health network recently opened a cancer center in Kearney and is planning new clinics in Bennington and Gretna. These expansions are part of an effort to make high-quality medical care more accessible throughout Nebraska. 

“Our mission is easy access to world-class health care,” says Michael Ash, MD, Nebraska Medicine CEO. “We provide care and a quality of service that isn’t available anywhere else in the region.”

Meeting growing demand 

The expansion comes as Nebraska Medicine sees increasing demand for its services. It receives more than 5,000 calls annually for patient transfers and serves over 4,500 patients who need specialized care not available at their local hospitals. 

“Health systems across the region depend on us for acute care and a higher level of service than they are able to provide,” Dr. Ash says. 

Kyle Skiermont, PharmD, chief operating officer, explains how new locations are chosen. 

“We’re looking at where the fastest growth in population is, and where there will likely need to be additional care, additional providers and additional physical buildings,” Dr. Skiermont says. 

New facilities coming soon 

Bennington Health Center will open in spring 2026 at 156th and State streets. The location will offer primary care services, plus an Immediate Care Clinic for evenings, weekends and holidays to treat conditions like coughs, cuts and respiratory illnesses. 

Grand Island Health Center is relocating to a new facility in the Prairie Commons development. The 66,000-square-foot building will welcome its first patients in April 2027. Expanded services will include internal medicine, rheumatology, vascular surgery, advanced heart failure, cystic fibrosis, nephrology, infectious diseases, lab and X-ray. 

Gretna Landing Health Center, a 125,000-square-foot health center will open in fall 2027. The facility will be part of a 31-acre mixed-use development and will offer primary and specialty care, orthopaedics and sports medicine, advanced imaging, lab services, urgent care and procedural spaces.

Bringing specialized services closer 

Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center – Kearney, a 54,000-square-foot facility, opened in December 2024. Patients there can receive medical oncology, radiation oncology and hematology treatments. The facility also offers infusion services, a pharmacy, lab work, genetic counseling, a resource center and a healing arts garden. 

“Patients battling cancer are able to get all their care in one spot,” Dr. Skiermont says. “Patients who traditionally may have traveled all the way to Omaha may not need to.” 

Similarly, Grand Island Health Center has expanded its infusion center, serving patients who previously had to travel much farther for treatments. And both locations have expanded telehealth appointments, allowing patients to access specialists remotely. 

Enhancing the patient experience 

The new facilities are designed with patient experience in mind, featuring inviting spaces and convenient parking. 

“Having these welcoming environments elevates the experience and the confidence that you’re visiting a world-class health care center,” Dr. Ash says. 

Nebraska Medicine has also increased its hospital capacity, adding the equivalent of 35 additional beds through improved efficiency and remodeling projects. 

Partnership approach 

Instead of taking over existing practices, Nebraska Medicine is being asked to join communities by local physicians who want to offer enhanced services. 

“We’re being invited into these communities by outstanding physicians, and we’re just elevating the level of investment and services they’re able to provide,” Dr. Ash says. 

This means patients are already connected to Nebraska Medicine specialists when they need more complex care. 

Access to academic medicine benefits 

Dr. Ash emphasizes the unique advantages Nebraska Medicine brings to the region. 

“We have highly specialized experts at our academic medical center,” he says. “Our experts partner to provide access to clinical trials and breakthroughs that aren’t available anywhere else.” 

For rural Nebraska residents, this connection can be lifesaving during emergencies or when facing complex medical conditions. 

“You may not need us today, but when you do need us, we’re here for you,” Dr. Ash says.