Wichita hospital restricts access to ‘assess a potential security concern’
Wichita’s Ascension Via Christi St. Joseph hospital restricted access to visitors on Wednesday afternoon to “assess a potential security concern” with the Wichita Police Department and security personnel, according to a spokesperson for the hospital.
The spokesperson did not say what the potential security concern is or how access is being restricted. St. Joe is located at 3600 E. Harry, near Harry and Hillside.
A security guard referred to it as a “lockdown,” but patients, employees and visitors were being allowed to leave the hospital. It appeared additional security and a police vehicle were staged in front of the emergency room drop-off area around 4:20 p.m.
Security would not allow an Eagle reporter to enter the Emergency Room but said it remains open for emergencies while no visitors are allowed at the hospital.
“Our team is working closely with local law enforcement and security personnel to thoroughly assess a potential security concern,” Bill Kueser, external communications manager for Ascension Via Christi, said in an email statement. “We have temporarily restricted access as a precautionary measure, and we kindly ask for the community’s patience as we address the matter.” “The safety of our patients, visitors and associates is always our highest priority,” he added.
This is a developing story and will be updated.
This story was originally published June 24, 2026 at 4:02 PM.
