Mercy's pediatric agreement with Children’s Mercy becomes effective

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. 

“This partnership reflects a shared commitment to improving the health and well-being of children across the region," Schwartzkopf said in the release. "By joining forces, Children’s Mercy and Mercy Springfield are making it easier for families to get the care they need – when and where they need it most."

Children’s Mercy operates a 367-bed, free-standing children’s hospital in Kansas City and more than a dozen health care facilities in Missouri and Kansas, with over 800 pediatric specialists among its nearly 8,900 employees, according to past reporting. Mercy Springfield Communities had 9,217 local employees as of July 2024, according to SBJ’s list of the area’s largest employers, and officials say more than 160 pediatric employees worked locally for the health system as of August.

Children’s Mercy already has operated in Springfield since last year through the purchase of Pediatrix Cardiology of Springfield PC, according to past reporting.