KC Reporter

Children’s Mercy and Mercy Springfield Communities have announced further details about their partnership to expand pediatric care in southwest Missouri. The announcement was made during a community event at the Mercy Hospital Springfield campus, which included pediatric patients, families, caregivers, and community members.

Starting in November, Children’s Mercy will manage hospital-based and specialized pediatric care at Mercy Springfield. This follows the signing of a joint operating agreement between the two organizations. According to both institutions, this collaboration is intended to improve coordination among providers, support local clinicians, and increase access to specialized pediatric services within the region.

“At Children’s Mercy, we are built for kids—our entire child-focused approach is tailored to specifically meet the unique medical, emotional and developmental needs of children, ensuring young patients receive the most compassionate and effective pediatric care possible,” said Amy Fallon, MPH, PhD, President of Regional Operations at Children’s Mercy. “This partnership with Mercy reflects our shared dedication to putting children first and we’re excited to bring our pediatric expertise to Springfield and elevate the care for children and their families.”

Children’s Mercy specialists have already started offering expanded ambulatory services in cardiology as well as EEG support for neurology in Springfield. Under this new agreement, Children’s Mercy will oversee a broad range of hospital-based pediatric services including inpatient care; intensive care units such as PICU and NICU; surgery; emergency department services; operating procedures; child life services; social work; respiratory therapy; and physical and occupational therapy.

The partnership aims to reduce travel burdens for families seeking specialized pediatric care by providing more options locally. It is also expected that patient families will benefit from faster access to specialists through these enhanced services.