SPRINGDALE -- Arkansas Children's Northwest has added staffing and a new sports medicine program, and plans to offer more services -- all to make it easier for kids in the state's northwest to receive health care that they previously would have gone to Little Rock or out of state to get.
The hospital, which opened in March 2018, does not have any specific plans for new construction, but it does plan to move some of its services out of the main building to make room for others, said Shannon Hendrix, the hospital's chief administrator.
Hendrix was recently named administrator after Trisha Montague was named interim chief operating officer for the Arkansas Children's system, which includes Children's Northwest and Arkansas Children's Hospital in Little Rock.
Children's Northwest recently added a pediatric cardiologist and pediatric neurologist, giving the hospital two of each now.
"Neurologic problems are very common, and with an increase in population, we will see a proportional increase in need," said a statement from Dr. Stephen Jones, the new pediatric neurologist. "Previously, patients from Northwest Arkansas have needed to either go to Little Rock or even out of state to receive care, and we are trying to reduce that unnecessary burden."
"The most common condition that kids need to see a neurologist for is epilepsy or seizures, but neurologists also deal with developmental delays, tics and headaches -- just to name a few," he wrote. "There are specialized clinics in Little Rock which focus on specific problems, such as multiple sclerosis, movement disorders, or certain complex genetic disorders, though these patients can also often be seen at Children's Northwest."
All cardiology procedures -- including surgery and specialized heart imaging, such as magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography (CT) scans -- will continue to be done at Arkansas Children's Hospital in Little Rock, Dr. Harrison Cobb, the new pediatric cardiologist, said in a statement. Children's Northwest, however, can provide all other services, including diagnosis, medical management and post-intervention follow-up.
"Arkansas Children's Hospital has seen a growing need for pediatric cardiology, along with many other pediatric providers, in Northwest Arkansas for many years. Unfortunately, because of the lack of local provider resources many families found it easier to travel into the surrounding states to seek medical care.
Northwest Arkansas has the fastest growing population in the state, and with nearly 1 in 100 children being born with a structural heart defect, there is an increased need," Cobb wrote.
Children most commonly see a cardiologist for chest pain, fainting or evaluation of murmurs, he said.
"Pediatric cardiology patients vary from the typical adult cardiology patient in that we primarily treat to those who are born with heart disease. Every week children are born in the state of Arkansas with a need for critical cardiac care and early, life-saving interventions," Cobb said.
"Beyond childhood, there are pediatric cardiologists who specialize further into 'adult congenital heart disease' for children who grow into adulthood, as their needs are significantly different than a typical adult cardiologist would manage," he continued. "While many congenital heart disease patients require lifelong attention, the pediatric cardiologist is attuned to all of the needs and the difficulties these patients may face due to their childhood heart defects."
Children's Northwest plans to move its primary care services, such as general preventative care, to one floor of a new medical office building being built near the hospital at 2575 S. Gene George Blvd. to free up space for other services at the hospital, Hendrix said.
Children's expects the move to occur by summer, according to Nicole Huddleston, spokeswoman for Children's Northwest. The hospital plans to expand general surgery, gastroenterology, orthopedics, pulmonology, primary care, oncology and hematology within the next few years.
In August of 2019, the hospital announced $5 million pledged over the next five years to expand services for children with cancer and blood disorders.
"Fundraising efforts have been significantly impacted by covid-19. Our inability to have in-person events has presented significant challenges, but our foundation team is doing as much as possible to make sure virtual fundraising efforts are successful," Huddleston said.
Money already received from the fundraising has gone toward the hematology/oncology program, allowing the hospital to have its pharmacy open 24/7 and adding staffing.
"We've also ordered cardiac respiratory monitors, which once installed, will help children who need a more advanced level of monitoring the ability to stay in NWA for their care," Huddleston said.
Additionally, Children's announced in September 2019 that it would receive a $5 million anonymous donation for existing programs and future expansion.
"The principal of the $5 million cash gift will remain intact while the earnings support today's needs. When future capital expansion plans are known, the $5 million gift will unlock and become the first leadership investment. The 2020 earnings of this generous gift will support surgical minor equipment needs," Huddleston said.
Also, Children's Northwest, in conjunction with the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Orthopedics Northwest, recently started a pediatric sports medicine program for high school athletes.
Dr. Wes Cox, orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist, leads UAMS Orthopedics Northwest.
"Combining the pediatric expertise and facilities at Arkansas Children's Northwest with our sports medicine fellowship-trained providers and community-established relationships is a huge win for student athletes in our home community," Cox said in a news release from Children's Northwest.
The program includes services at the hospital, as well as at practices and games at local high schools, according to the news release. The program includes the Fayetteville and Farmington school districts with plans to add more.
"Working closely with trusted local orthopedic and sports medicine providers means more kids will be able to get the care they need close to home from established physicians who have long supported athletes in Northwest Arkansas," Montague said.
Alex Golden may be reached by email at agolden@nwadg.com.