What started as an eight-bed emergency hospital founded by a determined group of women in 1923, has grown to our 247-bed, award-winning, independent, comprehensive, health system still governed by the same group. We’re thrilled to be celebrating our 100-year anniversary. Here’s how we started and what we have planned this year.
How We Began
Near the start of the last century, the Village Improvement Association of Doylestown (VIA), a women’s civic organization, recognized the need for healthcare services in our community. Like many communities of its size, medical care in Doylestown was limited to the community’s individual physicians, while treatment for the most serious health crises and any but the simplest surgeries required that patients — and their families — travel an hour or more to the nearest suburban hospital, which was in Abington and opened its doors in 1914.
The pioneering women of the VIA wanted to do better. They believed that quality healthcare could be provided close to home and that the citizens of Doylestown should not have to travel far away at a time when they needed their families most. The women of the VIA had been in talks since 1906 to establish a local hospital and they worked tirelessly to raise funds to do so.
Humble Beginnings
While they were raising money and support for the first hospital, the women of the VIA launched a visiting nurse program in 1916. The nurses were hired to work in the community and visit patients in their homes, among other community improvement projects.
The 1918 Spanish Influenza epidemic galvanized the need for formalized, community-based healthcare and the VIA recognized the need for public health initiatives and community healthcare service. The VIA, together with local medical professionals and the Doylestown community, opened the Doylestown Emergency Hospital at Pine and Oakland in 1923.
At the grand opening, Doylestown Emergency Hospital was equipped with eight beds and a new addition that held an operating room called “one of the finest in all of Pennsylvania” by Bucks County Medical Monthly. As the community grew and demand for services increased, a second expansion in 1927 added a modern obstetrical department and brought the capacity to 14 beds. The building also housed the VIA’s community nursing program and child welfare clinic.
Independent and Nationally Ranked
From Doylestown Emergency Hospital’s establishment at Pine and Oakland 100 years ago, Doylestown Health (that includes our flagship Doylestown Hospital) has evolved, grown, and transformed through the decades to a nationally ranked and respected healthcare system focusing on and recognized for our high-quality care.
In fact, Doylestown Hospital recently received our 13th consecutive Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade of ‘A’ by the national, independent watchdog group. Our hospital is also ranked as one of the best hospitals in the region and in Pennsylvania in the latest U.S. News & World Report Best Hospitals rankings, as well as recognized as “High Performing” in 12 specialty care areas.
As we enter our centennial year, our health system remains nonprofit, independent, and still governed by the Village Improvement Association of Doylestown, caring for members of the Doylestown community and beyond from childbirth to end-of-life care.
Plans for Our Centennial Year
Since our founding in 1923, Doylestown Health remains steadfast in our commitment to caring for our patients like members of our own families. Our national reputation for clinical excellence is a source of pride, but even more important is the strength of our relationship with you: our community — a community that has demonstrated its support for Doylestown Health in countless ways throughout our history.
Our centennial year is all about honoring our past, celebrating our present, and anticipating our future with you. Visit DH100.org to learn about events and programs planned to celebrate 100 years. In addition to our centennial, Doylestown Health will also be celebrating the conclusion of ONE VISION: The Campaign for Doylestown Health — an extraordinary milestone in our 100-year history.
We look forward to celebrating all of our milestones with you.
About Doylestown Health
Doylestown Health is a comprehensive healthcare system of inpatient, outpatient, and wellness education services connected to meet the health needs of the local and regional community. The flagship of Doylestown Health is Doylestown Hospital, a not-for-profit, community teaching hospital with 245 beds and a medical staff of more than 600 providers who deliver the highest quality care in over 50 specialties. Renowned locally, regionally, and nationally, Doylestown Hospital provides superior healthcare and offers advanced surgical procedures, innovative medical treatments, and comprehensive specialty services. Serving Bucks County for over 100 years, Doylestown Hospital is proud to educate and train the next generation of physicians through its family medicine residency program. Ranked as one of the World’s Best Hospitals by Newsweek and 9th in Pennsylvania, Doylestown Hospital is distinguished in both infection prevention and patient experience. Doylestown Hospital is the only hospital in Pennsylvania to achieve 17 consecutive ‘A’ grades for patient safety from Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade. Learn more at doylestownhealth.org.
