Recently announced, the boards of the North Broward Hospital District, doing business as Broward Health, are teaming up with Nicklaus Children’s Health System to collaborate in delivering enhanced pediatric care for Broward County families. This partnership joins Broward Health’s community-focused healthcare network with Nicklaus Children’s renowned expertise in pediatric care to ensure families have access to comprehensive, high-quality services close to home.

The approved affiliation begins in 2025, with the two organizations working together to expand and improve pediatric services across Broward County and aiming to fully integrate and enrich pediatric care offerings by the end of 2025. Through this partnership, Nicklaus Children’s will become the dedicated pediatric provider at Broward Health’s Fort Lauderdale and Coral Springs locations, allowing local families to access world-class pediatric care and specialty treatments without traveling far from home.

“Broward Health has been making great strides in expanding pediatric specialty care, and today’s approval to move into an affiliation with Nicklaus Children’s Health System is one more win for our community,” said Broward Health President and CEO Shane Strum. “Nicklaus Children’s brings a vast array of subspecialty care, an enviable workplace culture, and an adherence to safety and quality that Broward Health values deeply. By aligning our two great systems, we will change the landscape of pediatric medicine for Broward County.”

“As South Florida’s only freestanding pediatric hospital serving families for 75 years, Nicklaus Children’s looks forward to delivering care to more children and families in Broward through our world-renowned programs and services,” said Matthew A. Love, President and CEO of Nicklaus Children’s Health System. “Through our affiliation with Broward Health, we will be able to increase access to high-quality care in the region while keeping kids close to home for decades to come.”

Broward Health and a Lasting Impact

Founded in 1938 and headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, Broward Health ranks among the 10 largest public healthcare systems in America, nationally recognized for its dedication to high-quality care for residents of Broward County and beyond. This healthcare system includes five hospitals, two trauma centers, and an academic partnership with Florida Atlantic University—which is the county’s first statutory teaching hospital and has a growing graduate medical education program. Broward Health also includes more than 50 health centers and physician practices, covering many health specialties. 

Broward Health’s affiliation agreement with Nicklaus Children’s is expected to have a lasting impact on pediatric care in Broward County. Currently, 16% of pediatric patients in the county must leave for specialized care, but this partnership’s goal is to reduce these transfers and keep children and families close to home without compromising on the standards of care. 

“This collaboration represents a critical step toward addressing the growing needs of our community,” said Chris Pernicano, Chair of the North Broward Hospital District Board of Commissioners. “By integrating Nicklaus Children’s extensive expertise and resources into Broward Health, we will strengthen our pediatric services, ensuring that local families have access to the best care possible, right here in Broward County.”

Why Nicklaus Children’s

Nicklaus Children’s Health System is the parent organization of Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, which is South Florida’s number one nonprofit, freestanding specialty licensed hospital specifically for children. This healthcare system serves roughly 70% of children in the Miami area, and the hospital and its network of outpatient and urgent care centers provide life-saving care to children in Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, and Martin Counties. 

“Nicklaus Children’s is renowned for its comprehensive care and cutting-edge treatments in pediatric specialties,” said Joe Nader, Chair of Nicklaus Children’s Health System’s Board of Directors. “This affiliation will bring its expertise in neurology, cardiology, oncology, and orthopedics to Broward Health benefiting families across Broward County and neighboring communities.”

Broward Health and Nicklaus Children’s are committed to making sure this partnership results in a smooth transition for patients, families, and staff, with a full transition expected by late 2025.