ONTARIO — Families shouldn’t have to choose between getting care and getting there.
That’s the message Dr. Ray Bignall, nephrologist and chief health equity officer at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, said drives his work. He feels responsible for ensuring every child receives excellent care, no matter where they live or who they are.
“I can’t tell you the number of times I have seen patients at the main campus, at Nationwide Children’s who have difficulty coming to see us because of the drive,” Bignall said.
He pointed to transportation barriers and lost time from work as major challenges for families trying to reach care.
He said not every family has reliable transportation or the ability to take time off to make the trip.
“It’s our responsibility to be able to extend that care for every child who needs it,” he said. “That’s why facilities like this one are so important.”
He added while the new building and renovations to the current structure bring excitement, the real focus centers on filling the space with patients, families and staff committed to care.
Breaking ground on expanded services
OhioHealth and Nationwide Children’s Hospital broke ground Wednesday morning on a new outpatient care center in Ontario.
The 42,000-square-foot facility will be located at 1750 W. Fourth St. sitting across from the current building.
The $38.4 million project unites multiple services together under one roof, including specialty clinics, laboratory services, radiology, audiology, clinical therapies and primary care from Nationwide Children’s Hospital.
OhioHealth will provide adult primary care, obstetrics and gynecology, and advanced imaging, including a new mammography unit.
The Ontario Health and Fitness Center will remain open during construction. It offers urgent care, WorkHealth services, a fitness center, therapy services, imaging and primary care.
OhioHealth will also renovate the existing facility and add a specialty care hub.
OhioHealth and Nationwide Children’s Hospital already collaborate on 24/7 pediatric and neonatal care at OhioHealth Mansfield Hospital, and that partnership will continue.
Community impact and personal connection
Jessica Gribben, president and CEO of the Richland Area Chamber and Economic Development, said the investment carries financial, economic and workforce benefits for the region.
“That means a lot to me as the president of the chamber, but beyond that I am a mom of a young man who has received care at Nationwide Children’s for 19 years of his life,” she added. “It means a whole lot to bring that care right here close to home.”
It’s our responsibility to be able to extend that care for every child who needs it.
Ray Bignall, MD, nephrologist and chief health equity officer at Nationwide Children’s Hospital
Michael Ezzie, MD, president of OhioHealth Physician Group, said the project does not change current services.
“As we’re sitting here watching, there are people walking in and out with their gym bags, that will continue,” Ezzie added. “That is a core part of our service offering, as well as urgent care and work health.”
He said some services will move into the new building while others will remain in the existing facility.
“The 42,000-square-foot building will bring OhioHealth and Nationwide Children’s Hospital services together under one roof. It will include primary care, women’s health services, radiology, pediatric and clinical therapies, specialty clinics and lab services.”
He said the existing building will also be renovated to include a specialty hub along with general surgery, podiatry, orthopedics, and urology, while maintaining fitness, work health and urgent care services.
“This project will continue to bring services for the whole patient and community to continue to be able to access care right here and not have to drive further to receive the care you all deserve,” Ezzie said. “We look forward to opening these doors in the Fall 2027 timeframe.”
(Story continue below the images from the ground breaking for the Ontario medical campus. Credit: Hannah Martin)
A shared commitment to coordinated care
Curt Gingrich, MD, president of OhioHealth Mansfield and Shelby Hospitals, said momentum in Richland County continues to build.
“This groundbreaking represents more than a new building. It’s a promise to this community,” Gingrich said. “We are investing in the future of care in Ontario by bringing more services, more access and more support for families right here at home.
“Together with Nationwide Children’s, we’re creating a place where patients can receive seamless, high-quality care across every stage of life.”
He said the need for improved coordination in family care, especially pediatric care, was identified before he stepped into his role.
He also emphasized the long-standing partnership with Nationwide Children’s Hospital.
“This partnership is about meeting families where they are and surrounding them with the care they need,” Libbey Hoang, vice president of planning and business development at Nationwide Children’s Hospital said.
“By expanding our presence in Ontario alongside OhioHealth, we’re able to deliver coordinated, specialized pediatric care in one location, making it easier for children and families to access trusted, nationally recognized expertise without leaving their community.”
She said expanding access to specialized pediatric care locally is central to the mission.
“This allows families to focus on what matters most, caring for their children at home,” she said.