AdventHealth partners with Kentucky Children’s Hospital to expand pediatric care

Families in Eastern Kentucky now have greater access to pediatric expertise thanks to a new collaboration between AdventHealth Manchester and Kentucky Children’s Hospital (KCH). AdventHealth is the latest hospital to join the KCH Affiliate Network, a growing initiative designed to enhance pediatric care across the Commonwealth.

This collaboration strengthens the connection between local providers and pediatric specialists at KCH, offering families access to advanced care while keeping them close to home.

“Partnering with AdventHealth helps us bring our mission full circle: delivering the highest level of pediatric care to children, no matter where they live,” said Dr. Scottie B. Day, M.D., physician-in-chief at KCH. “By supporting local hospitals with our expertise and resources, we can empower providers and improve outcomes for kids across Kentucky.”

The KCH Affiliate Network offers member hospitals access to pediatric-focused training, education, clinical tools, and peer support. Through this partnership, AdventHealth teams can collaborate with pediatric specialists at KCH to elevate care in their own community.

“This partnership with Kentucky Children’s Hospital represents a meaningful step forward in our commitment to the families of Eastern Kentucky,” said Dr. Anita Cornett, Chief Medical Officer at AdventHealth Manchester. “By connecting our local providers with world-class pediatric specialists, we’re ensuring that children in our community receive the highest quality care—right here at home.”

Benefits of KCH Affiliate Network membership include:

• On-demand access to pediatric education and best practices
• Specialized training sessions and clinical shadowing opportunities
• Pediatric protocol development and consultation support
• Annual pediatric conference participation
• Continuing education credits for providers and staff
• Quality review and guidance for pediatric transfers

Christina Briggs, director of the KCH Affiliate Network, says the program is about more than just improving access — it’s about building a healthier future for Kentucky’s children.

“When we invest in local providers, we invest in local families,” Briggs said. “Our goal is to make sure every child, in every part of the state, receives the care they need to thrive — not just survive. With AdventHealth joining the network, we’re one step closer to that vision.”