Improving Pediatric Care on a Global Scale: Valley Children’s Partners with Wigmore Women’s & Children’s Hospital in Armenia

Half a world away in Yerevan, Armenia, Wigmore Women’s & Children’s Hospital works every day to improve the quality of life for the children and families in their country. The 220-bed healthcare facility is dedicated to providing comprehensive general pediatrics, pediatric subspecialties and women’s healthcare.

The region has traditionally been underserved and challenged to provide consistent, high-quality care. As part of a long-range vision to improve care and align their efforts with Armenia’s new healthcare development strategy for improving the quality of health services, Wigmore has forged a close partnership with Valley Children’s. Through this collaboration, Wigmore’s physicians and care teams will receive training and professional development, and make strides toward fulfilling the country’s broader mission to transform pediatric healthcare in the country by setting international standards of quality and care.

A Mutually Beneficial Partnership

The partnership between Wigmore and Valley Children’s was formalized in November 2023. Since then, several groups of physicians from Wigmore have visited Valley Children’s to participate in rounds and observe Valley Children’s physicians. Other goals of the partnership include:

• Educating and training Wigmore nurses
• Developing quality improvement initiatives and patient safety protocols
• Exploring opportunities for residency programs and collaborative research

Valley Children’s physicians also plan to travel to Armenia and work with physicians there to deliver care directly into the communities. The hope is to return with a broader perspective and new skills they can incorporate into their work in America.

Shared Values, One Mission

According to Valley Children’s President and CEO Todd Suntrapak, the partnership is a tribute to the organizations’ shared values. “It’s an opportunity to share our experiences with them, and, in large measure, to the deep Armenian heritage of our Valley and of our many patients, families, staff and community members who have made such an impact on our organization for more than 70 years,” he said.

“Working hand in hand with our colleagues from Valley Children’s Healthcare, Wigmore’s mission is to transform pediatric healthcare in Armenia by setting international standards of quality and care. It is through the partnership with such a leading institution as Valley Children’s that such systemic change becomes possible.”

Dr. Zaven Koloyan, CEO of Wigmore Women’s and Children’s Hospital