Independence Health System Westmoreland Hospital and WVU Medicine Children’s Hospital Announce Affiliation to Operate NICU

GREENSBURG, PA, Jan. 21, 2025 – Independence Health System Westmoreland Hospital and WVU Medicine Children’s Hospital announce they have partnered to continue to enhance neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) services for Westmoreland County’s most vulnerable patients. Effective January 1, 2025, Westmoreland Hospital’s NICU program transitioned to benefit from the expertise of WVU Medicine Children Hospital’s neonatologists, who specialize in treating complex neonatal conditions, access to clinical trials, and opportunities for continuous staff education. WVU Medicine Children’s and Westmoreland Hospital have since provided care to their first NICU patient under the new affiliation, a testament to both the need for and importance of this expertise.

“Partnering with WVU Medicine Children’s underscores our continuing commitment to delivering the highest quality care to newborns and their families,” said Brian Fritz, president of Westmoreland Hospital. “Their expertise in neonatal medicine and compassionate approach align perfectly with our mission to provide expert care to the communities we serve.”

The affiliation will offer a continuation of specialized pediatric expertise and resources to Westmoreland Hospital’s current services, enhancing the care of newborns needing intensive care.

“We are proud to be working with Westmoreland Hospital to ensure the highest standards of care for the smallest patients,” Amy L. Bush, B.S.N., M.B.A., R.N., C.N.O.R., chief administrative officer for WVU Medicine Children’s Hospital said. “This partnership will strengthen our collective ability to serve the community's growing needs.”

The affiliation also includes a collaborative focus on quality improvement initiatives, public outreach, and sharing clinical expertise. It will also focus on improving neonatal outcomes across a broad spectrum of pediatric care, including rare and complex diseases.

The transition to WVU Medicine Children’s management will be seamless, with an emphasis on maintaining continuity of care and ensuring families continue to receive the compassionate and personalized service they have come to trust. Independence Health System and WVU Medicine Children’s Hospital are working closely to ensure a smooth onboarding process for the NICU’s current staff and families.

Mark Polak, M.D., a West Virginia University professor of pediatrics and WVU Medicine Children’s attending neonatologist with over 35 years of experience, will be the program’s medical director. “A group of highly experienced advanced practice nurses will be providing primary care for these infants in close concert with the neonatologists at WVU Medicine Children's Hospital. They will be connected by state-of-the-art telemedicine links, and contact will be 24/7, every day of the year,” Polak said.

“Our highly specialized neonatologists work closely with obstetricians, respiratory therapists, community pediatricians, and nurses to provide the best possible healthcare. Our goal is to help all new families understand their baby’s medical needs so they can feel empowered, confident, and comfortable with their care.”

This partnership marks a significant milestone in Independence Health System’s efforts to enhance specialized healthcare services in Western Pennsylvania, reinforcing its dedication to provide expert care, here, in its communities. For more information visit Independence Health System Westmoreland Hospital or WVU Medicine Children’s Hospital.

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About Independence Health System:
Nationally recognized for quality care, Independence Health System comprises Butler Memorial, Clarion, Frick, Latrobe and Westmoreland Hospitals with a combined bed count of 925. With more than 1,000 physicians and advanced practice providers and 7,300 employees, the System is the third largest in western Pennsylvania serving a population base of 750,000 in a footprint spanning more than 10 counties.

The System includes tertiary programs rated among America’s best for cardiac care and surgery, earning accolades from a number of prestigious outlets and organizations. Locally owned and locally controlled, Independence Health System offers its patients low-cost, high-quality care across the care spectrum in such specialties as cardiology, cardiovascular and thoracic surgery, orthopedics and sports medicine, minimally invasive and robotic surgery, women’s health and obstetrics, emergency medicine, behavioral health and primary care. Its network of outpatient centers sees more than 1.2 million visits annually. The homecare division further supports patients at all stages of life with home health and hospice services. Learn more at www.independence.health

About WVU Medicine Children’s:
WVU Medicine Children’s is more than just a hospital. We’re a family of doctors, nurses, and other professionals who share the same goal: to provide the best possible care to any child who needs it. We chose careers in pediatric healthcare because we love connecting with (and supporting) kids of all ages. And because many of us are parents, too, we know how important it is to find a medical provider you trust. You want to work with specialists who care about your child’s health and well-being as much as you do. For more information, visit WVUKids.com.