GRAND ISLAND, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska Medicine is expanding its network of doctors west to Grand Island.

The Omaha-based group already includes the Nebraska Medical Center, the University of Nebraska Medical Center and a network of more than 1,000 doctors in the area.

Nebraska Medicine will take over operations of the Internal Medical Associates of Grand Island clinic in July. The doctors in the clinic suggested the change.

Doctor Jennifer Brown says her group decided to join Nebraska Medicine to allow them to focus on patient care while providing patients the support of a larger group.

The clinic includes six internal medicine doctors, one rheumatologist and four advanced practice providers. It sees more than 10,000 patients a year.