Exceeding milestones: IU Health Fishers’ new services see success

Since opening in 2025, IU Health Fishers' brand-new Maternity unit and Pediatric Emergency Medicine services are exceeding volumes and goals.

Written by Charlotte Stefanski, cstefanski@iuhealth.org, writer for IU Health's Metro Region

IU Health has nearly doubled the size of its Fishers campus—bringing important new services to the community. Two major additions include a brand‑new Maternity unit and a dedicated Pediatric Emergency Medicine unit from Riley Children’s Health.

Within a few short months, both units have exceeded their expected volumes for 2025.

A 250% increase in pediatric emergency volumes

Before the new Riley Children’s Emergency Medicine unit opened at IU Health Fishers, the hospital typically saw about five children in the Emergency department each day.

But once the dedicated pediatric emergency unit launched, the difference was immediate. Patient volume jumped by 150% right away, and in recent months has grown nearly 250%. Today, the team cares for 16–18 children every day, offering families in the Fishers community specialized pediatric emergency care close to home, says Dr. Dan Slubowski (pictured right), MD, Riley Children’s Health Emergency Medicine at IU Health Fishers and North hospitals.

“Emergency medicine is a team sport, and our team collaborates so well, each bringing their specific skills to ensure the best care for the patients and families in front of them,” Slubowski says. “Our general and pediatric emergency medicine physicians, pediatric emergency medicine registered nurses, Child Life specialists and social workers take on each shift and demonstrate the IU Health value of purpose, truly striving to do good in the lives of the patients we see.”

Alongside higher volumes, Slubowski notes the team has also received high praise from patients.

“The Pediatric Emergency unit has received overall positive feedback, citing the attentiveness of our pediatric nursing staff and Child Life specialists to the specific needs of the pediatric patients in the Fishers community,” he says. “Having a new space, dedicated to pediatric patients, has assured families that they can receive excellent care for their children even closer to home.”

As the needs of the community grow, Slubowski says the unit will also continue to grow, as hospital leadership continues to make process improvements to optimize care for patients.

Welcoming more than 80 babies to the world in two months

As the Maternity unit at IU Health Fishers opened its doors on Oct. 29, 2025, the team was expecting to deliver just over 50 babies for the rest of the year.

But plenty more bundles of joy were welcomed into the world, with the unit delivering 39 babies in November and 44 in December. The unit’s Special Care Nursery also doubled its projections. The hospital's 100th baby was born this January.

Micah Mathai (pictured left), MD, medical director of Obstetrics and Gynecology at IU Health Fishers, says it’s all about teamwork and purpose.

“Our physicians, advanced practice providers and nurses are dedicated to the highest level of quality care that works with the patient and for the patient. Our culture at IU Health Fishers is about transparency and making sure we work together as a team,” Mathai says. “Every single team member is an essential part of this dynamic team. We all understand that without each other, we would never be able to do our job.”

With the expansion of Labor and Delivery services in Fishers, Mathai notes there is now increased access for the surrounding areas, helping alleviate the high volumes at downtown hospitals.

As 2026 begins, the team has welcomed three additional Family Medicine physicians who completed surgical obstetric fellowships. Mathai says additional OBGYN physicians will join the team this year, allowing for more access. The unit has also launched a lactation support group and is considering adding midwives to the care model within the next few years.

“We are excited for growth in Fishers and anticipate a robust and comprehensive Maternity and Women's Health unit, Mathai says.