Dr. Linda Skiles of St. Luke Physician Clinic has resigned from her position and accepted a position at Fort Riley.

According to St. Luke Hospital Chief Executive Officer Jeremy Armstrong, Skiles submitted her resignation, which will be effective Feb. 1.

“We have started recruitment efforts,” Armstrong said.

Rumors have been circulating that the clinic was closing, Armstrong said, but the rumors are not true.

“We have no intention of closing the clinic and (physician’s assistant) Nita Bittle plans to stay,” he said.

If a doctor is not hired before Skiles leaves, Armstrong said arrangements would be made to accommodate Bittle. A medical doctor has to oversee a nurse practitioner.

Skiles was out of town and could not be reached for comment at press time.

The doctor was hired July 9, 2007, when the hospital opened the clinic.

Armstrong said letters would be sent to Skiles’ patients, assuring them that the hospital will recruit a physician and will continue to offer quality care.