Representatives from Wichita State and Ascension Via Christi announced Friday via Facebook that the two institutions would be continuing their affiliation to create a strategic partnership that will aid the output of health care professionals in the state and city.

According to WSU Provost Shirley Lefever, the affiliation will help expand the present learning opportunities, like classroom and office space in the hospitals.

“Expanding this win-win collaboration will enable us to connect Wichita State students to advanced, professional applied learning opportunities, address the need for qualified healthcare workers in our, and further establish Wichita as a health care hub for our region,” Lefever said.

Lefever said the affiliation will also improve patient outcomes, by growing the number of qualified professionals.

Laurie Labarca, Ascension hospital president, said the partnership will also aid hospital associates as well as students and the community.

The 10-minute announcement can be watched in its entirety here.