Springfield Business Journal: Mercy's pediatric agreement with Children's Mercy becomes effective
By SBJ Staff
Mercy Springfield Communities' pediatric care is officially under new management.
An agreement with Kansas City-based Children’s Mercy became effective on Nov. 1, according to a news release. The two health systems in August signed a joint operating agreement setting up the arrangement, following the announcement of a partnership between the organizations in March 2024.
“This collaboration allows us to elevate pediatric care in our community by combining Mercy’s deep local roots with Children’s Mercy’s specialty services,” said John Myers, president of Mercy Springfield Communities, in the release. “Together, we’re building a stronger, more connected system of care for our youngest patients.”
Children’s Mercy is now providing leadership oversight of pediatrics with providers employed by Mercy, according to the deal's terms. The agreement covers Mercy's existing pediatric hospital within Mercy Hospital Springfield and its specialty care clinics
In September, Children’s Mercy named Debbie Schwartzkopf as interim chief administrative officer to lead the partnership effort, according to past reporting. Schwartzkopf is a 30-year employee of Children's Mercy.
Read the full article via the Springfield Business Journal