The Della Penna Pediatric Center Opens This Fall

Expert inpatient care at Doylestown Hospital extends to all ages, including infants, children and teens.

Recognizing Our Roots

When the Village Improvement Association of Doylestown (VIA) founded Doylestown Hospital in 1923, growing families were a focus of their mission. The women saw that maternity care, child health clinics and an active visiting nurse service met vital needs of families in the community.

While maternity services have remained at the heart of the hospital throughout its history, Doylestown has not had an inpatient children's unit in recent years. Most pediatric visits have been for either emergency care or same-day surgical procedures.

Time For a Change

Doylestown Hospital strives to improve the quality of life for all members of the community. That commitment spans a patient's lifetime. Recognizing the need for pediatric inpatient care, Doylestown Hospital developed plans for a family-centered, child-friendly, unit to provide care for its youngest patients.

The Fall 2014 opening of The Carol and Louis Della Penna Pediatric Center of Doylestown Hospital marks a new era in providing quality care for all members of the family, close to home.

Jason Komasz, MD, is the lead pediatric hospitalist and medical director of the Della Penna Pediatric Center of Doylestown Hospital. "This new center allows us to bring something back that was part of this institution in the beginning. We're coming full circle. We've always had excellent community pediatricians, and now we have excellent hospital care when the kids need it."

About The Della Penna Pediatric Center

• Secure inpatient pediatric unit with private rooms designed for kids
• Specialized staff with board certified pediatricians or pediatric nurse practitioners and pediatric nurses available 24/7
• Clinicians certified in pediatric life support
• Outpatient and inpatient medical and surgical options
• Direct access to CHOP neonatologists on site
• Overnight accommodations for parents (in-room with child)
• Dedicated pediatric medical equipment and supplies
• Advanced imaging services, including low-dose CT scans and 3T MRI designed to reduce stress or anxiety
• Expedited access and referral to pediatric specialists
• Coordination with regional children's hospitals for advanced care needs

Pediatric Conditions Diagnosed and Treated

• Respiratory problems like asthma, pneumonia or RSV (respiratory syncytial virus)
• Complications from high fever
• Minor trauma/concussions
• Sports injury
• Gastrointestinal conditions
• Pain management
• Dehydration

Can Being in the Hospital Actually Be Fun?

The pediatric experience at Doylestown Hospital starts with expert care. It also involves a special kind of caring. The staff is committed to making every child's experience comfortable and stress-free.

• Well equipped playroom for patients and siblings
• Wagons instead of stretchers for transport
• Art supplies
• Volunteer-made pillowcases in fun fabrics that kids can take home
• Pet therapy with a friendly dog
• Special decorations on holidays

Della Penna Pediatric Center Services extend beyond the hospital setting to include health and wellness education, nutrition services and other support services within the community.

Donor Story

Recently, Louis and his wife, Carol, were presented with the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of all families served by Doylestown Hospital. Their generous gift helped make the hospital’s vision of an inpatient pediatric unit a reality.

Watch Carol and Louis Della Penna discuss their gift.

About Pediatric Services

Doylestown Health is committed to providing family-centered children’s services to the community. The Carol and Louis Della Penna Pediatric Center offers expert inpatient care to all ages including infants, children and teens. Della Penna Pediatric Center Services extend beyond the hospital setting to include health and wellness education, nutrition services and other support services within the community.