Le Bonheur Children's Medical Center has joined forces with North Mississippi Medical Center to provide pediatric sub-specialty services to children in the Tupelo area, giving local families more specialized healthcare options closer to home.

Located in the former Med Serve clinic at 410 Council Circle on North Mississippi Medical Center's campus, the Le Bonheur Outreach Program provides specialty services including neurology, general surgery and cardiology to Tupelo.

"NMMC has a history of providing great care to the Tupelo area. We hope we can enhance that care by bringing Le Bonheur pediatric experts closer to the residents of North Mississippi," said Meri Armour, Le Bonheur president and CEO.

The physicians who see patients in Tupelo include neurologists Dr. Ahmad Al Hamda and Dr. Robin Morgan; surgeons Dr. Max Langham, Dr. Trey Eubanks and Dr. Eunice Huang; and cardiologists Dr. Courtney Anthony and Dr. Thomas Chin.

The neurologists see patients twice a month. The surgeons and cardiologists travel to Tupelo once a month. Pulmonology services will be available this summer. In the future, other pediatric sub-specialty services may be expanded.

The specialists, who will travel to Tupelo from the Memphis area, will allow families to stay closer to home. The clinics will also be able to serve Tupelo patients who need to see specialists, but can't travel to Memphis to see them.

"We are very excited about the expanded relationship with Le Bonheur. This partnership is a result of listening to our customers, regarding their desire to see more subspecialized pediatric services available in the community," said NMMC President Chuck Stokes. "This partnership will reduce travel time and stress for patients and families in the area. The stellar reputation of Le Bonheur is consistent with the mission, vision and values of North Mississippi Medical Center, and that is what makes a great relationship. Le Bonheur has been present in our community for many years providing cardiology and neurology services, and has provided these services in an exemplary manner. The expanded relationship will raise the standard of pediatric services and care provided to our community. We look forward to continued growth in services to our children that can be provided locally."

"The Le Bonheur Outreach Program is a response to what our community has been asking for, which is more accessible specialty care for our children," added Ellen Friloux, administrator for North Mississippi Medical Center's women and children's services. "Parents have been very pleased with the convenience of the clinic. We certainly hope to expand the variety of specialists available in the clinic."

For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call the Le Bonheur Children's Referral and Resource Center at 1-866-870-5570.