Public invited to CoxHealth, Mercy listening session for pediatric partnership

The public is invited to a listening session for CoxHealth and Mercy Springfield Communities' newly announced pediatric partnership.

The public listening session is scheduled 5:30 p.m. tomorrow at Jarrett Middle School, 906 W. Portland St., according to a news release. A joint Facebook event is being held at the same time.

"Mercy Springfield Communities President David Argueta and CoxHealth President and CEO Max Buetow will join a panel of health care experts and community leaders in answering questions about the project," officials said in the release.

Last month, CoxHealth and Mercy announced the issuance of a request for proposal for a full-service pediatric partner for the partnership. The health systems have a goal of filling gaps in pediatric care locally.

“CoxHealth and Mercy have a vision for a stand-alone children’s hospital in this community," Buetow said at the time.