CINCINNATI — Parkview Health and Cincinnati Children's expanded partnership aims to expand access to pediatric healthcare in Fort Wayne and the surrounding region.

The initiative would combine Parkview's current pediatric hospital services, pediatric primary care and pediatric specialty services with Cincinnati Children's. From the letter of intent signed by both health organziation, there is a shared aspiration to build a pediatric hospital on the Parkview Regional Medical Center campus.

What You Need To Know

  • The initiative would combine Parkview's current pediatric hospital services, pediatric primary care and pediatric specialty services with Cincinnati Children's

  • This is the latest collaboration between the two health systems, which are about 180 miles apart and have worked together for more than a decade

  • As a starting step, both systems have expanded their telehealth collaboration allowing patients and families to consult Cincinnati Children's experts

This is the latest collaboration between the two health systems, which are about 180 miles apart and have worked together for more than a decade; beginng their work together in 2011 to help trauma services in the Fort Wayne region.

“Both Cincinnati Children’s and Parkview Health are dedicated to serving our communities by ensuring that our patients can access quality care close to home,” said Dr. Raymond Dusman, president, Physician and Clinical Enterprise, Parkview Health. “Our two health systems share excitement of the impact that a new pediatric hospital could have for families located not just in Fort Wayne but also throughout Northern Indiana and Northwest Ohio. As we define a new vision for pediatric specialty care in the region, we’ll continue to leverage our existing partnership to enhance quality, helping patients today.”

As a starting step, both systems have expanded their telehealth collaboration allowing patients and families to consult Cincinnati Children's experts in pediatric neurosurgery, rheumatology, preventive cardiology and drug-resistant epilepsy.

“Cincinnati Children’s has a long history of collaborating with other healthcare organizations to share best practices and provide exceptional care for patients,” said Dr. Steve Davis, Cincinnati Children’s president and CEO. “Ensuring the highest quality pediatric services are available at a conveniently accessible pediatric hospital would be transformative for patients and families living in the region.”

Parkview is a leader in its region for pediatric health care, running a 27-bed inpatient unit with seven pediatric intensive unit beds and more than 20 pediatric specialists. Parkview has 13 hospitals, including Parkview Women’s & Children’s Hospital.

Cincinnati Children's has more than 760 registered beds across its three hospital campuses and serves pediatric patients from across the nation.