Two Georgia health systems have established a formal affiliation to combine resources to better serve their communities.

Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and Athens Regional Health System have established an agreement under which Children’s will provide tools and best pediatric practices to Athens Regional so that it can improve its services to children. There will be specialized training for doctors and nurses as Athens Regional works to improve its patient safety program, according to a statement from the systems.

"Athens Regional is honored to be currently the only affiliate hospital of this kind with Children's Healthcare of Atlanta," said Charles Peck, CEO and president of Athens Regional Health System, in a statement. "We truly appreciate that Children's leaders and physicians share our same commitment to quality care.”

Additionally, the partnership will promote enhanced care coordination between the two systems and enhance telemedicine services so that pediatric specialists can see more patients.

Athens Regional is one of the largest, non-profit healthcare systems in Northwest Georgia with more than 360 beds and a level two trauma center. It’s the second largest employer in the region and contributes more than $800 million into the economy every year.

Children’s, a non-profit healthcare system, is the largest healthcare provider for children in Georgia with more than 60 pediatric specialities and programs.                         

"This affiliation is another key step that allows us to extend our reach and serve even more children in Georgia, while building a partnership with a respected hospital system and its doctors,” said Donna Hyland, president and CEO at Children's, in a statement. “We are grateful to Dr. Peck, the pediatricians, and the pediatric leaders for reaching out to us and being so committed to impacting the care of children in their community."