ChristianaCare and CHOP partner to expand pediatric care in Delaware and beyond

CHOP’s nationally renowned expertise in children’s health will be added to ChristianaCare’s existing network, enhancing access to advanced treatments in Delaware, Maryland, southeastern Pennsylvania, and southern New Jersey. (Photo Credit: Patrick Rosenbaum)

ChristianaCare and Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) announced a new strategic affiliation on Tuesday that aims to expand access to specialized pediatric care across Delaware and neighboring communities.

The collaboration, set to begin in spring 2026, will bring CHOP’s nationally renowned expertise in children’s health to ChristianaCare’s existing network, enhancing access to advanced treatments in Delaware, Maryland, southeastern Pennsylvania, and southern New Jersey. By integrating services, the partnership will improve care delivery and reduce the need for families to travel long distances for complex pediatric treatment.

“This collaboration brings together two amazing organizations that are already nationally recognized for clinical excellence — and we’re going to be even better together,” said Janice E. Nevin, M.D., MPH, president and CEO of ChristianaCare.

“Our affiliation with CHOP marks a bold step forward in our mission to provide the highest quality care to children and families across the communities we serve,” Nevin continued. “These are uncertain times for many parents with young children in need of routine or complex medical care. ChristianaCare and CHOP are joining forces to provide world-class care, close to home, at a time when it’s needed most.”

Madeline Bell, CEO of CHOP, echoed the commitment to improving pediatric health care access.

“Bringing seamless, family-centered care to our patients is a priority at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia,” Bell said. “As one of the region’s most dynamic health systems, ChristianaCare has earned a national reputation for its bold approaches to both clinical care and innovation. Our new affiliation is driven by a shared vision: redefining what is possible in health care and ensuring that every patient — at every stage of life — receives the highest standards of care, from infancy through adulthood.”

The affiliation will span all ChristianaCare hospitals and facilities where pediatric emergency and inpatient care is provided. The initial focus will be on pediatric and neonatal services, including access to CHOP’s expertise in rare and complex diseases and a broad range of specialties such as surgery, cardiology, neurology, radiology, ophthalmology, and genetics. Educational and research opportunities will also be part of the collaboration.

“Our team at ChristianaCare is excited to work closely with Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia to bring even more specialized care to our community,” said Megan Mickley, M.D., MBA, chair of Pediatrics at ChristianaCare. “CHOP’s leadership in pediatric medicine will complement the outstanding care already provided at ChristianaCare, ensuring that our youngest patients receive the most advanced treatments in a compassionate and supportive environment.”

As the partnership evolves, ChristianaCare and CHOP plan to explore additional opportunities to expand pediatric care and improve overall health care delivery throughout the region.