CHI Franciscan Brings Seattle Families One Step Closer to More OB Care Choices

CHI Franciscan, Tacoma, WA, and Virginia Mason, Seattle, WA, announced the Washington State Department of Health approved Virginia Mason’s Certificate of Need application for a Level II Special Care Nursery. This paves the way for the new Virginia Mason Birth Center, an Alliance with CHI Franciscan.

The two organizations have partnered to provide comprehensive perinatal services in Seattle, including an outpatient obstetric and women’s health clinic expected to open in January 2020, and a full-service birth center with a Level II Special Care Nursery expected to open in the summer of 2020. The new program will offer personalized birth experiences and increased access to high-quality care for mothers and families throughout the region.

“Expanding access to premier women’s and children’s services in Seattle will create more quality care options for families in our communities,” said Ketul J. Patel, CEO of CHI Franciscan. “We are proud to be opening the new birth center with Virginia Mason. This is another exciting step for CHI Franciscan as we further expand our clinical expertise throughout the greater Seattle region.”

CHI Franciscan and Virginia Mason’s joint obstetrics program will follow a collaborative care model- utilizing expert physicians, certified nurse midwives, nurses and staff from both health systems to personalize care for each mother and newborn.