Families in Kitsap County will soon have expanded access to pediatric and mother-baby care due to a new strategic affiliation between Virginia Mason Franciscan Health and Seattle Children’s Hospital.

The two health care leaders announced April 29 that they are deepening their nearly 15-year collaboration to bring more specialized services—including neonatal and perinatal care—to communities across the Puget Sound, including Kitsap. The partnership is aimed at improving access to expert care closer to home.

“This affiliation marks a significant step forward in our mission to improve health care access for mothers, babies and children,” said Ketul J. Patel, CEO of VMFH and president of CommonSpirit Health’s Northwest Region. “Seattle Children’s is a globally recognized leader in pediatric medicine, and we’re honored to work alongside them to further elevate the standard of care in our communities.”

While the collaboration spans King, Pierce and Kitsap counties, families in Kitsap often face longer travel times for specialized care. The affiliation will help reduce that burden by expanding access to pediatric specialists and services through nearly 300 VMFH sites, one being St. Michael Medical Center in Silverdale.

A joint oversight committee will guide implementation.

Seattle Children’s neonatologists already provide care at VMFH’s Family Birth Centers and will be part of new efforts to strengthen pediatric and neonatal support throughout the region.

“We are proud of our long-standing reputation for excellence in pediatric and neonatal care,” said Dr. Jeff Sperring, CEO of Seattle Children’s. “Virginia Mason Franciscan Health is a recognized leader in quality care and clinical excellence, and we’re excited to work together to continue fulfilling our vision of helping every child live their healthiest and most fulfilling life possible.”