CHI Health Good Samaritan

For more than a century, CHI Health Good Samaritan has been a cornerstone of Kearney, deeply rooted in the community and driven by a commitment to providing quality, compassionate health care to all.

A 236-bed regional referral center, we offer central Nebraska and northern Kansas specialized care, including the region’s only Level II Trauma Center, Advanced Level II NICU, Primary Stroke Center with inpatient rehabilitation, and hospital-based EMS. With advanced imaging, leading-edge surgical services, and AirCare–the state’s longest-operating medical helicopter service, we ensure rapid response across our vast service area.

From renowned joint replacement specialists and exceptional cardiac and vascular surgeons, to a trail-blazing radiation oncologist, we provide a full range of specialized care. Nationally recognized for excellence, we also attract and retain some of the best nurses in the profession, ensuring skilled and compassionate care for every patient.

Guided by our faith-based mission, we are committed to building healthy communities, with a special focus on those most in need. Last year alone, we provided $10.2 million in community benefit, helping our friends and neighbors access care, receive mental health support and afford necessary medical treatment.

Our Services

CHI Health Richard Young Behavioral Health, located at 1755 Prairie View Place in Kearney, is an inpatient behavioral health facility that also provides outpatient clinic services. For 40 years, our mission has remained to equip patients with the skills to manage life’s challenges and embrace recovery with hope. Help is available 24/7 by calling (800) 930-0031 or (308) 865-2000.

When it comes to breast health the answer has never been clearer.

The Breast Center of Excellence at Good Samaritan is unique in its coordinated approach to monitoring for early detection and treatment of the diagnosis of breast cancer. The Breast Center works in collaboration with our Cancer Center in the treatment of breast cancer. Our multidisciplinary team of radiologists, surgeons, pathologists, medical and radiation oncologists, and clinical staff collaborate to offer sensitive and technologically-advanced care that is responsive to your needs.

The Good Samaritan Breast Center of Excellence works to maintain the highest level of breast care available by following the stringent guidelines of the American College of Radiology (ACR®), the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC®), and the National Consortium of Breast Centers.

Why choose a center of excellence?

Centers of excellence voluntarily undergo detailed examination of processes, quality indicators, and treatment plans to ensure that they are providing the best possible, most up-to-date care. Physicians and technologists are held to high education and training standards. Most physicians and clinicians practicing at centers of excellence eagerly seek additional training to remain at the forefront of advances in breast care.

What is offered at the Breast Center of Excellence

Mammography and Routine Screenings
Diagnostic Services
Bone Mineral Density Test
Multidisciplinary Care Team
Genetic Counseling
Nurse Navigators
Breast Cancer Support Group
Psychosocial Support
Breast Cancer Awareness Activities
Cancer Survivor Rehabilitation (STAR® program)
Cancer Clinical Trials

We are here for you. We want to make this stressful time as easy as possible for you and hope this information answers many of the questions you may have. To contact the Breast Center, call (308) 865-7559.

Dr. Kenton L. Shaffer Emergency Care Center

The new Dr. Kenton L. Shaffer Emergency Care Center at CHI Health Good Samaritan is equipped to treat critical illnesses and serious injuries. Conveniently located in Kearney, our Emergency Care Center is staffed by physicians who specialize in emergency medicine and nurses who are specially trained to treat emergency cases.

The 20,000 square foot renovation more than doubled the size of the old Emergency room
Advanced Level Trauma Center, handles everything from minor injuries to complex traumas for adults and children of all ages
Convenient, new Emergency entrance on the north side of the hospital
14 private patient rooms, including a two-patient state-of-the-art suite for trauma
Private check-in and consult rooms
Four isolation treatment rooms with negative pressure capabilities
Specialty treatment rooms for OB/GYN, ENT and behavioral health
Designation as a Primary Stroke Center, making a difference when seconds count
AirCare, air ambulance service, transporting critical patients when it matters most
Coming Soon: fully-enclosed ambulance bay, protection from the elements and added patient privacy

CHI Health Good Samaritan has provided paramedic-level emergency ambulance service to the City of Kearney and Buffalo County Fire District #1 since 1988. Our paramedics also provide mutual aid response to area ambulance and rescue squads in order to bring the emergency department closer to the patient.

View a tour of the emergency department.

Locations and Directions

CHI Health Good Samaritan Emergency Care Center is conveniently located within our full-service hospital.

Level II Trauma Center

Good Samaritan's Level II Trauma Center provides the highest level of trauma, surgical and critical care. Our team of nationally and internationally respected experts stands ready to take care of patients with traumatic injuries 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. CHI Health Good Samaritan is designated as an Advanced Level II Trauma Center by the Nebraska Statewide Trauma System, which demonstrates the ability to meet stringent criteria reflecting commitment, excellence and assurance of high quality care for all trauma patients. Learn more about our Trauma Care.

Air Care

CHI Health Good Samaritan AirCare is the longest operating original air ambulance service in Nebraska. AirCare’s equipment and staff are prepared to transport two patients without notice. This is especially helpful for an accident involving multiple patients. Learn more about the AirCare services.

At CHI Health Good Samaritan, our team of board-certified gastroenterologists, nurse practitioners and staff specialize in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of complex digestive diseases. We offer a full spectrum of gastrointestinal services, including diagnostic and surgical procedures like endoscopy and colonoscopy. We also provide comprehensive treatment for a variety of GI problems, such as heartburn, abdominal pain, difficulty swallowing, rectal bleeding, diarrhea, constipation, liver diseases, and inflammatory bowel disease.

Our Providers

CHI Health Clinic Heart Institute has been a leader in advanced cardiology for more than 25 years. We offer one of the nation's highest-quality, award-winning heart programs, right here in Central Nebraska. Our specialists are on the forefront of cardiovascular medicine, continuously implementing the latest recommendations for disease prevention and breakthrough treatments, all while staying true to our mission of providing advanced care close to home.

Our Providers

Multiple Cardiac Catheterization Labs, and the region's first Hybrid Cardiovascular Operating Room

Good Samaritan has been a leader in cardiac and vascular care since opening Nebraska's first outstate cardiac catheterization lab in 1990. We offer a comprehensive range of cardiac and vascular procedures, including many previously found only in metropolitan areas. Our commitment to innovation and patient quality continues with the region's first Hybrid Cardiovascular Operating Room, which uniquely combines the advanced diagnostic imaging of a cath lab with the full surgical capabilities of a traditional operating room.

See our Maternity Center

Neurologists who practice at Good Samaritan specialize in treating a wide variety of diseases and injuries to the nervous system. Using the latest diagnostic equipment and treatment methods, neurologists provide advanced care to patients with problems of the head, spine, cerebrovascular system and peripheral nerves.

The board-certified neurosurgeons who practice at Good Samaritan are highly skilled in the diagnosis and treatment of brain tumors and spine disorders. They use the latest brain-mapping technology and least invasive treatment methods possible to restore function and reduce pain. They utilize some of the most sophisticated equipment available including bi-plane imaging.

Tesla MRI

The 3 Tesla Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) system is twice as powerful and is faster than the standard MRI machines typically used for patient care imaging, greatly improving the diagnostic capabilities at Good Samaritan. This state-of-the-art imaging tool can more accurately diagnose routine and hard-to-detect conditions such stroke; aneurysms; heart vessel problems; spinal cord lesions; spinal disc injuries; bone, joint and cartilage damage; renal artery problems and many others.

Like all equipment at the Good Samaritan Imaging Center, the 3 Tesla MRI is digital and part of their technologically advanced Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS). With PACS, physicians can view images from any of the medical center imaging equipment at remote locations, including their offices, and more than one person can view the same image at the same time for consultations.

Stroke Care - CHI Health Good Samaritan is a Primary Stroke Center

A stroke is brain damage caused by a blocked or bleeding artery in the brain. The American Stroke Association estimates that nearly 800,000 people will suffer a new or recurrent stroke this year.

Demonstrating Commitment to Quality Care for Stroke Patients

We were awarded for our commitment to excellent stroke care from the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association - the Get With The Guidelines® Gold Plus, Stroke Honor Roll Elite, Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll, and Get With the Guidelines Bronze, Rural Stroke.

Target: Stroke Honor Roll - Door to needle times within 60 minutes for at least 75 percent of applicable patients.

The American Heart Association and American Stroke Association recognizes CHI Health Good Samaritan for achieving 85% or higher compliance with all Get with the Guidelines® Stroke Performance Achievement measures and 75% or higher compliance with five or more Get with the Guidelines Stroke Quality Measures for two or more consecutive years and achieving Time to Intravenous Thrombolytic Therapy <60 minutes in 75% or more of applicable acute ischemic stroke patients to improve quality of patient care and outcomes. The American Heart Association and American Stroke Association does not accredit, certify or endorse CHI Health Good Samaritan.

Best Outcomes

The Good Samaritan Stroke Center has received national certification as a Primary Stroke Center by the Joint Commission. This means that we provide quality care to meet the unique and specialized needs of stroke patients. People that go to Primary Stroke Center for acute stroke symptoms have better outcomes!

We provide rapid response in diagnosing and treating stroke patients. Our highly-specialized team collaborates at all stages of treatment using the most advanced research and technology.

Multidisciplinary Team

At Good Samaritan, our medical team consists of physicians and medical specialists from the neurosciences, internal medicine, emergency medicine, critical care, as well as respiratory, physical, occupational and speech therapists.

For more information, contact our Good Samaritan Stroke Program Coordinator at (308) 865-7189.

Our Providers

Good Samaritan has delivered outstanding cancer care for over 40 years, combining the latest equipment and expertise with compassionate, personalized attention. From early detection and prevention through diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship–we are there for the entire journey. All aspects of treatment, including diagnostic tests, surgical services, medical oncology, and radiation oncology, are conveniently located on a single campus.

Our specialized team delivers clinical excellence in a healing environment, offering infusion therapy, radiation therapy, a genetic nurse practitioner, a licensed mental health provider, a tobacco cessation counselor, nurse navigators, dietitians, clinical trials, outreach, support activities, a healing garden, educational seminars, and much more.

One of the centerpieces of our program is a True Beam linear accelerator that allows us to administer radiation with exceptional precision, thus sparing normal tissue anywhere throughout the body. Our Regional Cancer Center has been accredited by the Commission on Cancer (CoC) of the American College of Surgeons (ACoS) since 1982.

CHI Health Good Samaritan Cancer Center is located at 104 W 33rd St Kearney, NE 68847

Our Providers

As the first joint replacement center in the state, CHI Health Good Samaritan pioneered hip and knee replacements in Nebraska. Our exceptional staff, led by board-certified surgeons, remains on the forefront of care by utilizing the latest techniques and leading-edge technology. We are committed to helping patients return to a healthy lifestyle as quickly as possible, with recovery times faster than ever.

Robotic-Assisted Technology

Good Samaritan was also the first hospital in the state to employ robotic-assisted technology for more precise hip and knee replacement surgeries. Dr. John Wright recently celebrated his 2,500 procedure with help from the surgical robotic-arm.

For several years, Good Samaritan has achieved the elite Blue Distinction Center+ designation from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska for Knee and Hip Replacement and Spine Surgery. This highest level of recognition demonstrates a commitment to superior health outcomes, patient safety and cost-effectiveness.

Whether it's your knee, hip, shoulder, or other joint, our experts are dedicated to helping you find lasting relief.

Our Providers

We're building on our strong foundation and long tradition of caring for the region. Together, we can offer comprehensive care for all ages in Kearney.

Same-Day Appointments

When you need care and tomorrow isn’t soon enough make a same-day appointment. Our experienced primary care physicians and staff are committed to providing care to patients of all ages — babies to seniors — even on short notice. Call the clinic to schedule.

Walk-in for Priority Care

Visits for your urgent medical needs are available with our Priority Care providers. No appointment necessary for priority care; just walk in between 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.

See our Location

Good Samaritan provides expert diagnosis and personalized treatment for a range of respiratory (lung) diseases. Our board-certified specialists also deliver critical care for severely ill patients in an intensive care unit setting. With a focus on expertise and patient comfort, our goal is to help patients breathe easier, sleep better and ultimately live more comfortably.

Our Providers

Robotic-Assisted Bronchoscopy

Good Samaritan is first in the region to utilize a state-of-the-art, robotic-assisted bronchoscopy platform. This innovative technology offers earlier, more accurate, and safer diagnoses of lung disease, leading to better patient outcomes.

Therapy for Sleep Apnea

Good Samaritan is also the first in the region to offer Inspire therapy, a mask-less alternative for treating obstructive sleep apnea. This implanted device is designed for individuals who cannot consistently use or benefit from CPAP, as it works by gently moving the tongue forward to keep the airway open.

Sleep Center

If you're having trouble getting a good night's sleep, the experts at Good Samaritan Sleep Center can help. We offer comprehensive treatment plans designed to restore your well-being and improve your quality of life. Our services include both in-depth, overnight sleep testing in a comfortable, homelike setting, as well as convenient at-home sleep testing using a simplified monitor to track your breathing and oxygen levels.

CHI Health Good Samaritan provides the region’s most comprehensive inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation services. We focus on helping patients achieve a better quality of life, whether returning to work, sports and life. Our services are tailored to each patient's needs, offering individualized, one-on-one care with a licensed therapist, including:

Physical therapy
Speech/language therapy
Occupational therapy
Aquatic therapy

Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit and Gym

Good Samaritan was the first hospital in the region to offer inpatient rehabilitation services. Since 1992 we’ve been helping patients recover fully following illness, injury, trauma, or a scheduled procedure. Our Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit ensures patients receive expert care for a wide range of injuries and disorders, offering complete access to numerous skilled physician specialists. Our dedicated gym is equipped with leading-edge technology and the latest equipment, including:

A body weight supported system and intelligently controlled assistive rehabilitation elliptical/treadmill, is the latest advancement in helping stroke and trauma patients regain their ability to walk.
A therapy system that employs electrical stimulation to activate muscles, which assists patients in retraining movement patterns and restoring function.

From the initial evaluation, a care plan is developed, immediately setting patients on a path toward the goal of improved functional independence. Following dismissal from the hospital, patients can seamlessly continue with their rehabilitation with our outpatient rehabilitation services.

Outpatient Rehabilitation

Our outpatient rehabilitation program at CHI Health Good Samaritan is managed by GO Physical Therapy (Kearney). To schedule an appointment, call: (308) 865-7183. A doctor's order or referral is needed.

The CHI Health Good Samaritan Wound Ostomy Center has been serving Kearney and the surrounding areas since 1989. Our Board Certified Wound Ostomy Nurses (WON) work to educate, heal and improve the lives of patients seeking their care. Our team treats patients in our outpatient clinic located within the west tower of the hospital. We also care for patients in the hospital who need our services.

Our Wound Ostomy Care team helps with conditions such as:

Wounds/ulcers due to pressure, diabetes, neuropathy or non-healing surgical wounds
Vasculitis, Panniculitis and Cellulitis
Minor burns
Skin tears
Lower extremity wounds
Venous ulcers
Soft tissue radionecrosis (radiation burns)
Compromised skin grafts and flaps
Traumatic wounds
Problematic fistulas or drain tubes
Ostomy and peristomal skin care
Ostomy teaching and fitting
Incontinence and incontinent skin care

Our team includes Melissa Studnicka, APRN who is certified in advanced practice wound care. Five registered nurses, board certified in wound and ostomy care with a combined 75 years of experience in advanced wound ostomy care and 129 years of nursing experience! Our team specializes in all types of wound and ostomy care.

If you or anyone you know may be in need of our services please contact us where you will be able to talk to one of our nurses and discuss your needs and make an appointment.

Our Recognitions and Leadership

The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) designated Good Samaritan as a Pathway to Excellence organization in May 2025. At the time of Good Samaritan’s designation, only 253 hospitals worldwide have achieved this prestigious honor. The Pathway designation recognizes Good Samaritan’s effort to enhance quality of care, patient and nursing safety and the future of health care delivery. Pathway nurses are engaged, resulting in higher job satisfaction, reduced turnover, improved safety, and better patient outcomes.

CHI Health Good Samaritan has been named one of America’s 250 Best Hospitals by Healthgrades. The achievement reflects Good Samaritan’s commitment to clinical excellence and top-tier patient care, placing the organization in the top 5% of U.S. hospitals for overall clinical performance.

Healthgrades evaluates hospital quality for conditions and procedures based solely on clinical outcomes to help consumers understand, compare and evaluate hospital performance. Within its Specialty Excellence recipient lists, Healthgrades further distinguishes the nation’s top hospitals for specialty care–including critical care. The Critical Care Excellence Award™ recognizes hospitals that deliver superior patient outcomes in treating pulmonary embolism, respiratory system failure, sepsis, and diabetic hospitalizations. Good Samaritan has received this prestigious recognition for three consecutive years.

The Leapfrog Group is a national nonprofit watchdog that sets standards for excellence in patient care. Based on performance measures from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the Leapfrog Hospital Survey and information from supplemental data sources, each hospital's letter grade represents its overall performance in keeping patients safe from preventable harm and medical errors.

Five stars is the highest rating given by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). The CMS Care Compare website features Overall Hospital Quality Star Ratings designed to assist consumers in comparing hospitals on quality measures (mortality, safety of care, readmission, patient experience and timely, effective care).

The Intensive Care Unit at Good Samaritan earned a Silver Beacon of Excellence Award from the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses. The award recognizes high-quality patient care within a supportive and collaborative work environment. It signifies a commitment to excellence and rigorous standards for evidence based practices, staff engagement and patient outcomes.

Good Samaritan is proud to be recognized by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Nebraska with Blue Distinction Center+ designations for excellence in maternity care, spine surgery and knee and hip replacement. This honor places Good Samaritan among an elite group of health care providers in Nebraska. The additional "plus" designation signifies the highest level of recognition, indicating a commitment to patient safety, superior health outcomes and cost-effectiveness.

Good Samaritan was awarded the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association’s Get With The Guidelines® Stroke Gold Plus award with Target: Stroke Honor Roll Elite and Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll. The honor recognizes our sustained commitment to delivering effective stroke treatment, including a high designation for rapidly restoring blood-flow to minimize damage and improve recovery. Fewer than 30% of U.S. patients with acute ischemic stroke are treated within the ideal 60-minute door-to-thrombolytic therapy window.

We also received the Get With The Guidelines® Rural Stroke Gold award, the highest designation. This award recognizes our commitment to addressing health disparities in rural areas by adhering to evidence-based standards, including prompt arrival-to-treatment times.

Steve Schieber, Interim President

Kimber Bonner, Vice President, Patient Care Services

Dr. Lissa Woodruff, Vice President, Medical Operations

Lisa Webb, Vice President, Operational Finance

Commitment to Safety

Your safety is our highest priority. We’re constantly striving to improve.

This is one example of our many ongoing safety efforts.

Goal: Reduce the chance for skin breakdown and pressure ulcer (skin sore) formation
Action: Use external urinary catheters, which reduce chances of friction injuries, rather than the traditional internal Foley catheter. Focus on appropriate turning of patients and beds designed to reduce pressure injuries. In house wound nurses assess at risk patients.
Result: No significant pressure injury since 2023.

Online Gift Shop

We have a variety of gifts, fresh flowers, balloons and much more! View gift options to send to loved ones staying at Good Samaritan.
Hospital Procedure Scheduling

Some diagnostic, lab, and imaging procedures are scheduled at the hospital. Find the contact number for these procedures.
Wellness Center

Superior service is emphasized at the Wellness Center. Whether you're a new member or a regular, you'll find the center's services to be just what you need.