Derby's Rock Regional Hospital to stay open through January, judge rules

DERBY, Kan. (KAKE) – Rock Regional Hospital will remain open until at least January 6, 2026, a judge ruled Wednesday.

Employees will be paid for at least three more paychecks, Judge Mitchell L. Herren decided.

The hospital on Sunday filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and requested an emergency hearing to make payroll. The hospital was in court Wednesday asking for emergency money to help make payroll and cover basic expenses.

Federal court documents show the hospital owes $60.6 million in unsecured claims, including more than $23 million in rent.

Wednesday’s hearing includes funding requests to help the hospital pay utilities, workers, claims and other current expenses.

Court filings say without the funding, the hospital "has no way to pay for its ongoing expenses” and could be evicted.