In a significant step for pediatric healthcare in Southern California, Rady Children’s Hospital and Children’s Hospital of Orange County (CHOC) have unveiled plans to merge, creating a unified entity under the banner of Rady Children’s Health. According to an announcement, made public on Wednesday, the two hospitals are set to join forces with the goal of bolstering pediatric healthcare services across the region.

The proposed amalgamation is subject to regulatory approval from the state attorney general, and if things go as planned, the merger could see completion in 2024. Both institutions have a substantial footprint in California, with Rady Children's being the largest children's hospital on the West Coast and CHOC boasting a distinguished pediatric healthcare system in Orange County, this duo is looking to make waves in medical services for the younger population.

Leaders from both hospitals, Dr. Patricio Frias of Rady Children’s and Kimberly Chavalas Cripe of CHOC, will helm the nascent organization as co-CEOs, bringing their combined experience to steer the joint operations. With a sprawling network of outpatient facilities and close ties to the University of California schools at UC San Diego and UC Irvine, the merger aims to propel advancements in pediatric research and improve treatment outcomes for children. "This is about the kids and the care and the community and the opportunities that we see, particularly coming out of the pandemic and last year’s viral surge and tripledemic," Frias told the San Diego Union-Tribune.

The organizations also envision the merger to attract and retain top medical talent, especially specialists in rare conditions who perhaps would not have found adequate patient referrals at either institution alone. Coupled with their extensive collaboration with the University of California's distinguished medical schools, they aim to scale up their research capabilities and training programs for healthcare professionals. "CHOC and Rady Children’s – both nationally recognized for clinical excellence and compassionate care – have put forward a shared vision that puts children and their families first," Paul Hering, Rady Children's Board of Trustees Chair, expressed in a statement obtained by CHOC's newsroom.

Furthermore, the two entities plan to maintain their individual identity and presence in their respective communities despite the merger. They have ensured the continuation of separate medical staffs and governing boards, even as they fall under the larger umbrella of the Rady Children's Health. The two CEOs have jointly committed to leading the merged company for two years, after which Frias will continue as the solo CEO and Cripe will take on an emeritus status, bringing her 32-year tenure at CHOC full circle.