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Virginia Mason Franciscan Health (VMFH) and Seattle Children鈥檚 announced Tuesday they have expanded their longstanding partnership to enhance pediatric and mother-baby health care services across the Puget Sound region.

The new strategic affiliation builds on nearly 15 years of collaboration between the two organizations and aims to improve access to expert physicians, specialized care teams, and seamless coordination for families, according to a joint statement.

Access to high-quality health care remains a significant challenge in the Puget Sound region, VMFH and Seattle Children鈥檚 noted.

By joining resources and leveraging their combined network of care sites, both groups say they hope to bring advanced medical services closer to home for more patients.

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鈥淭his affiliation marks a significant step forward in our mission to improve health care access for mothers, babies and children,鈥� said Ketul J. Patel, CEO of Virginia Mason Franciscan Health and President of CommonSpirit Health鈥檚 Northwest Region. 鈥淪eattle Children鈥檚 is a globally recognized leader in pediatric medicine, and we鈥檙e honored to work alongside them to further elevate the standard of care in our communities.鈥�

Seattle Children鈥檚 consistently ranks among the top ten children鈥檚 hospitals in the United States, while VMFH hospitals are also nationally recognized for quality care.

Their partnership has already brought neonatologists to VMFH Family Birth Centers, offering 24/7 onsite and remote support to care for the region鈥檚 most vulnerable newborns without the need to transfer them to different facilities.

The collaboration has also connected patients at VMFH鈥檚 St. Joseph Medical Center in Tacoma to Seattle Children鈥檚 pediatric cardiologists and infection prevention teams, allowing for on-site assessments of complex maternal and newborn conditions.

Jeff Sperring, MD, Chief Executive Officer of Seattle Children鈥檚, said the expanded affiliation aligns with the hospital鈥檚 broader mission. 鈥淲e are proud of our long-standing reputation for excellence in pediatric and neonatal care,鈥� Sperring said. 鈥漋irginia Mason Franciscan Health is a recognized leader in quality care and clinical excellence, and we鈥檙e excited to work together to continue fulfilling our vision of helping every child live their healthiest and most fulfilling life possible.鈥�

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As part of the expanded affiliation, perinatal, neonatal, and specialty services will grow across VMFH Birth Centers located in King, Pierce, and Kitsap counties.

The goal is to support thousands of families while minimizing the separation of mothers and their newborns after delivery.

The partnership will also focus on improving access to pediatric specialists across VMFH鈥檚 nearly 300 care sites, strengthening connections between primary, specialty, ambulatory, and urgent care services.

Officials said this effort will ensure children can get the right care at the right time, with seamless referrals to Seattle Children鈥檚 specialists when needed.