FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WFFT) - Ending days of rampant speculation, Indiana University Health has confirmed it plans to expand operations into the Fort Wayne market. In a press release issued Friday, IU Health stated it plans to open a primary care medical office in the first quarter of 2018, providing what it says will give the city "...a new option for primary care services and access to highly skilled physicians in the IU health academic medical system."

The center will be staffed by 15 physicians and advanced practitioners initially.  "The providers will be a part of a new IU Health physician group led by Dr. Geoffrey Randolph, a longtime Fort Wayne surgeon. Additionally, IU Health has engaged former local physicians and leaders to build the IU Health programs in Fort Wayne."

“We believe IU Health can have a positive impact on the health of the Fort Wayne community with an expanded presence that includes an initial primary care office and access to leading specialists within the IU Health academic medical system,” said IU Health President and CEO Dennis Murphy. “We look forward to working with the community to bring IU Health’s resources to bear in serving the vital healthcare needs of the Fort Wayne area.” 

"IU Health plans to work with local healthcare providers to ensure comprehensive quality care is available to serve residents in the Fort Wayne area. Further details on IU Health’s expansion into the Fort Wayne market will be shared as progress on the plan continues.

IU Health also announced last month that Riley Children’s Health will open a pediatric specialty care office in Fort Wayne in early 2018. It will be the first dedicated Riley Children’s Health care facility in the Fort Wayne area."

While no locations were included in the announcement, sources have told WFFT that locations on the northeast and southwest side of Fort Wayne are the likely locations of IU Health's new facilities.

Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry says the expansion will be good for Fort Wayne's economy and patients. 

"The patients, those needing health care in our community, it's going to give them another choice of a health care provider. I think the fact IU Health sees in Fort Wayne something that's of real value to them, I think it's going to be a nice two way street."

Henry says he hopes to continue to see more options for patients in the future as the Summit City expands and develops.