Two health systems operating in Toledo have been ordered to mediation in an ongoing dispute over providing care for children.

In a decision issued Friday, Lucas County Court of Common Pleas Judge Joseph McNamara ordered Mercy Health and Nationwide Children’s Hospital to participate in mediation aimed at resolving the litigation over Nationwide’s attempts to strike a deal with ProMedica involving the provision of pediatric health services.

ProMedica, which is also a party to the case, indicated to the court that it was not inclined to participate in mediation and was not ordered to to do so.

“This Court cannot force a party to engage in good-faith mediation,” Judge McNamara wrote. “Furthermore, not wanting to engage in mediation while a pending claim could be dismissed via motion is a re

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