CoxHealth committed to elevating pediatric care, as Mercy abruptly exits collaboration

For many months, CoxHealth has worked in good faith toward a first-of-its-kind collaboration designed to elevate children’s services for the Springfield region and surrounding communities.

Transforming pediatric care was our focus when we began discussions on a historic partnership for children’s care, and it is our focus now, even as Mercy has chosen to abruptly change course.

This is why we were surprised to learn late last night that Mercy has ended the proposed collaboration in order to pursue an exclusive partnership with Children’s Mercy in Kansas City. We are greatly disappointed that Mercy made this announcement with minimal notice to us, and to the community.

In October, CoxHealth and Mercy engaged a third party to guide an objective process, which included community leaders, to determine the best solution.

Unfortunately, Mercy’s unilateral decision to end the collaboration is in direct conflict with the clear results of the mutually agreed upon process.

Mercy’s exit is not a scenario CoxHealth had anticipated. Given the unexpected nature of this announcement, our team will work closely with the community to carefully consider the best options for the care of our children.

CoxHealth prides itself on being a locally governed organization that is dedicated to our neighbors. We will make decisions based on what is best for the children of our communities, independent of corporate self-interest.

The families of southwest Missouri deserve outstanding care close to home, and CoxHealth will continue to boldly pursue the elevation of pediatric care.