Children's Mercy Announces Leadership Role for Springfield Joint Venture
Children’s Mercy is excited to announce a significant step forward in its commitment to expand access to specialized, pediatric care in Springfield. As part of its joint venture with Mercy Springfield Communities, Children’s Mercy has named Debbie Schwartzkopf, DNP, RN, CPHQ, its Interim Chief Administrative Officer to lead the new partnership.
“Debbie is a respected and trusted leader at Children’s Mercy,” said Amy Fallon, MPH, PhD, President of Regional Operations, Children’s Mercy. “She brings more than 30 years of experience as a nurse and health care leader, with a career spanning Children’s Mercy’s Neonatal Intensive Care Nursery, Fetal Health Center, Quality & Safety, and Ambulatory Services.”
In her new role, Debbie has already begun working closely with the Mercy team.
“Debbie’s collaborative spirit and strategic insight make her the ideal leader to guide this exciting new chapter,” said John Myers, President, Mercy Springfield Communities. “Her deep understanding of pediatric care and her commitment to partnership will help us build a system that delivers exceptional care to children and families across Southwest Missouri.”
As Children’s Mercy brings its pediatric expertise to Springfield, the joint venture will create a seamless pediatric system of care that strengthens coordination between providers, supports community clinicians and improves access—so more kids can get the specialized care they need, when they need it, close to home.
Beginning in November, Children’s Mercy will provide management for a wide range of hospital-based pediatric services including:
- Pediatric Inpatient Care
- Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU)
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)
- Pediatric Surgery
- Pediatric Emergency Department (Peds ED)
- Pediatric Outpatient Procedures (POPs)
- Child Life Services
- Pediatric Social Work
- Pediatric Respiratory Therapy
- Pediatric Physical and Occupational Therapy
“I’m honored and energized to lead our shared vision forward, advancing patient care for families in Springfield and beyond,” said Debbie. “Together, we’re not just improving health care, we’re shaping a future that will transform the lives of families who will now know that world-class pediatric care is available right in their own community.”