Advocate, NorthShore Partner to Create Comprehensive Pediatric Care Network in Illinois

05/16/2018 – Advocate Children's Hospital and NorthShore University HealthSystem (NorthShore) announce a strategic partnership to expand wide-ranging pediatric care in Illinois. The partnership will create a comprehensive system of pediatric care in the Chicagoland area. It will comprise more than 600 pediatricians, pediatric subspecialists and maternal fetal medicine physicians, as well as hospital and ambulatory programs and services. This pediatric-focused alliance will greatly expand access for expert pediatric care.

"This is about providing exceptional pediatric care for the children in our communities," says Mike Farrell, president, Advocate Children's Hospital. "By linking together such high caliber physicians, committed to excellence in safety, quality and service, we will no doubt make it easier to access comprehensive medical care. That's good for children, their families and communities."

The joint operating agreement calls for shared governance and financials, led by Farrell, and co-chief medical officers, Frank Belmonte, DO, MPH, of Advocate Children's Hospital, and Michael Caplan, MD, of NorthShore.

"This is a transformative partnership between two highly respected healthcare institutions," says Dr. Caplan, Chairman of Pediatrics, Chief Scientific Officer and groundbreaking researcher in advanced neonatal care. "It will enable us to capitalize on shared physician expertise and combine pediatric specialties to generate significant cost efficiencies and advance innovation to elevate quality care."

The strategic partnership will enhance access, manage outcomes most effectively and integrate academic excellence through existing and future partnerships with the University of Chicago Medicine.

Over the next several months, the organizations will begin transition and integration processes. The new delivery system will launch in July 2018.