UCLA Health, Children’s Hospital of Orange County team up on cardiac care

UCLA Health and Children’s Hospital of Orange County have agreed to team up to develop a joint pediatric heart program.

Johnese Spisso, president of UCLA Health and CEO of the UCLA Hospital System (Photo: UCLA Health)

The organizations say they expect to build a program that will serve as a destination for congenital heart problems and heart disease.

UCLA Health and CHOC announced their intentions to create the program last week.

“We are pleased to be partnering with CHOC to provide not only world class clinical pediatric care but also compassionate support services for the entire family,” Johnese Spisso, president of UCLA Health and CEO of the UCLA Hospital System, said in a statement.

Glen Van Arsdell, the UCLA Health chief of congenital cardiovascular surgery, will serve as the chief of the joint program.

“Our shared vision is one program offered at two sites to provide patients with the right care in a location close to home,” Van Arsdell said in a statement. “We seek to capitalize on our strengths, integrate data and technology and provide seamless, convenient access to care.”

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CHOC collaborates with the University of California on a number of programs. Surgeons and pediatric cardiologists from CHOC and UCLA Health provide care and support at each other’s hospitals. The two hospitals also collaborate on medical training programs.

“We are committed to transforming the way cardiac care is delivered in Southern California,” Kimberly Chavalas Cripe, CHOC President and CEO said in a statement.

“Together, we will help attract the nation’s top experts, while retaining the leading physicians and staff at both of our institutions. We will also partner to advance innovation, research and education, benefitting children for generations to come," she said.

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