Five questions with Phoenix Children’s CEO Bob Meyer

Phoenix Children’s Hospital recently held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for its new Glendale Arrowhead Campus. The hospital will serve up to 72,000 pediatric patients, offering inpatient care, a surgery center, imaging services, and a 24/7 emergency department to the fast growing West Valley.

Chamber Business News sat down with PCH President and CEO Bob Meyer to talk about the new facility and PCH’s plans for growth.

Chamber Business News: How does the Arrowhead Campus align with Phoenix Children’s long-term strategic goals? What did you have in mind for the future?

Bob Meyer: Our strategic plan aims to expand our brand and level of care across the entire Valley. Years ago, we analyzed population growth and freeway developments to identify key areas for expansion. We first bought land in Avondale and opened there in 2007, but the recession delayed further developments. Today, the fastest-growing areas for pediatrics are Surprise and the West Valley. 

Our strategy involves being nimble and targeting where population growth is highest. We collaborated with partners like Abrazo and Dignity Health, expanding services such as NICUs and creating a comprehensive maternal-fetal strategy. We chose this site in Glendale for its strategic location and partnership opportunities.

CBN: With the West Valley growing rapidly, how are you able to ensure that Phoenix Children’s stays at the front of pediatric care and provides the best care possible with these new facilities?

Bob Meyer: Ensuring our leading position involves more than just hospitals. We have an entirely employed medical staff, enabling integrated planning across all services and specialties. We recruit physicians for specialized care in areas like pulmonology and endocrinology, essential for running complex programs. Collaborations with Abrazo and Dignity Health enhance our capacity to provide high-quality care. Consistency in training, standards, and medical practice across all our campuses ensures we deliver the best care possible.

CBN: What experiences and amenities are you focusing on for patients and families at the new facility to ensure they receive the best care?

Bob Meyer: We focus on providing a consistent and high-quality experience for all patients and families. We have family advisory committees that help us tailor services to specific needs, and we’ve integrated amenities like Alexa devices for communication and interpretation, facilitating family involvement. Consistency across all campuses in exam room design and medical records systems ensures seamless care. These efforts allow us to provide efficient and effective medical services while accommodating the needs of families.