Wolfson Children’s hospital Shifts Affiliation from UF Health to Nemours
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A critically importent shift in pediatric healthcare is on the horizon as wolfson Children’s Hospital, part of Baptist Health, announced it will end its decades-long clinical collaboration with UF Health and the University of Florida College of Medicine – Jacksonville. The hospital will instead partner with Nemours Children’s Health, with changes expected in the first quarter of 2026.
New Partnership Aims to Enhance Pediatric Care
Wolfson Children’s Hospital cited Nemours Children’s Health’s expertise and commitment to high-quality specialty care as key factors in the decision. Nemours Children’s, one of the nation’s largest integrated pediatric health systems, brings invaluable scale and experience that will enhance the hospital’s ability to recruit and retain top healthcare providers in jacksonville.
“As one of the nation’s largest integrated pediatric health systems, Nemours Children’s Health’s expertise and commitment to high-quality specialty care make them a natural collaborator,” Wolfson Children’s Hospital stated.The hospital anticipates that Nemours Children’s will expand its team of highly skilled pediatric physician specialists who will practice at Wolfson Children’s Hospital.
Did You Know? Nemours Children’s Health traces its origins to the estate of philanthropist Alfred I. duPont, who died in 1935 and left instructions to create a charitable organization dedicated to helping children with disabilities.
UF Health Responds to the Change
UF Health expressed its disappointment with the decision, stating it was both “surprised and disheartened.” Despite the change, UF Health affirmed its commitment to providing world-class pediatric services throughout Florida and beyond. Their faculty physicians will continue caring for children at Wolfson Children’s Hospital through the first quarter of 2026.
UF Health emphasized its ongoing dedication to serving communities through its community physician practices, the Level 1 Trauma Center at UF Health Jacksonville, and UF Health Shands children’s Hospital. The health system remains steadfast in its mission to uphold the highest standards of clinical excellence in pediatric care and medical education.
Wolfson Children’s Hospital intends to continue serving as the primary pediatric teaching facility for the University of Florida College of Medicine. Though,clinical services previously provided by UF Health at Wolfson Children’s Hospital will be provided by Nemours Children’s Health.
Continued Collaboration on Community Initiatives
Baptist Health and UF Health will continue to collaborate on initiatives like the Blue Zones Project, aimed at improving the health and well-being of the community. This ongoing partnership underscores a shared commitment to enhancing the overall quality of life for residents in the region.
Pro Tip: Engaging in community health initiatives like the Blue Zones Project can significantly improve public health outcomes by promoting healthier lifestyles and environments.
Timeline of the Transition
While the exact timing of the changes is still being steadfast,the transition is expected to occur in the first quarter of 2026. Wolfson Children’s Hospital has assured the public that there are no immediate changes at this time.
| Organization | Role |
|---|---|
| wolfson Children’s Hospital | Hospital shifting affiliation |
| Nemours Children’s Health | new clinical partner |
| UF Health | Former clinical partner |
| Baptist Health | Parent organization of Wolfson Children’s Hospital |
What does this mean for families seeking pediatric care in Jacksonville? how will this partnership impact the future of pediatric medical education in the region?
Background on Pediatric Healthcare Partnerships
Hospital affiliations and partnerships are common in the healthcare industry. These collaborations often aim to enhance the quality of care, expand services, and improve access to specialized medical expertise. according to the American Hospital Association, approximately 68% of hospitals are part of a healthcare system, indicating the prevalence of collaborative arrangements in the field American hospital Association.
Changes in affiliations can be driven by various factors, including strategic realignments, financial considerations, and the desire to enhance specific areas of expertise. such as, a hospital might seek a partnership with a larger healthcare system to gain access to advanced technologies or specialized medical professionals Modern Healthcare.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Wolfson children’s Hospital changing its affiliation?
Wolfson Children’s Hospital is shifting its affiliation to Nemours Children’s Health to enhance its ability to recruit top healthcare providers and expand its specialty care services.
When will the partnership between Wolfson Children’s hospital and Nemours Children’s Health begin?
The new partnership between Wolfson Children’s Hospital and Nemours Children’s Health is expected to begin in the first quarter of 2026.
What will happen to UF Health’s services at Wolfson Children’s Hospital?
Clinical services previously provided by UF Health at wolfson Children’s Hospital will be taken over by Nemours Children’s Health.
Will Wolfson Children’s Hospital still be a teaching facility for the University of Florida College of Medicine?
Yes, Wolfson Children’s Hospital intends to continue serving as the primary pediatric teaching facility for the university of Florida College of Medicine.
How will this change affect pediatric care in Jacksonville?
The collaboration between Wolfson Children’s Hospital and Nemours Children’s Health aims to improve the quality and accessibility of pediatric specialty care in the Jacksonville region.
Will Baptist Health and UF Health continue to collaborate on other initiatives?
Yes, Baptist Health and UF Health will continue to collaborate on community health initiatives, such as the Blue Zones Project, to improve the well-being of the community.
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