DOYLESTOWN, PA — Doylestown Health has announced the planned closure of its inpatient, six-bed pediatric unit effective Sept. 30.

According to a statement released by the hospital, over the last several years the hospital has experienced significant growth in its outpatient pediatric services while, like similar hospitals, observing an overall decrease in demand for inpatient pediatric care.

"Closing the unit will not diminish Doylestown Health’s commitment to care for infants and children in our region," said the hospital in its statement. "Consistent with our mission, we will continue to offer maternity care, labor and delivery, neonatology and perinatology services, and the same broad capabilities in pediatric diagnostic testing, pediatric outpatient surgery as well as acute pediatric care through our Emergency Department at Doylestown Hospital and Urgent Care on Swamp Road."

In cases where children need to be transferred for inpatient care, Doylestown Health said it will maintain its "already strong partnerships" with Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), both in Philadelphia and King of Prussia, and Grandview Health, to ensure close access to streamlined inpatient pediatric care.

In addition, Doylestown Health said it will continue delivering pediatric services in the community through partnerships with local school districts and youth organizations.

"Our Della Penna Pediatric Program reaches more than 10,000+ children and parents in the community annually on health topics including stress, mindfulness, proper hand-washing, poison prevention, safety and nutrition, among many others," said the statement.

“When I arrived at Doylestown Health nearly 10 years ago, healthcare began to shift from focusing on the sick individuals in our hospital to focusing on preventive medicine and wellness," Jim Brexler, President and CEO of Doylestown Health said in sharing the rationale for the change. "By keeping the community healthy, especially our younger patients, the need for inpatient pediatric care has dramatically shifted.”

Thanks to visionary donors, Carol and Louis Della Penna, the Della Penna Pediatric Program has evolved from its original intent — offering a dedicated inpatient pediatric unit — to a more robust program for the youngest members of the community, said Brexler. In this new model of care, Della Penna Pediatrics encompasses:

"As we approach our second century of care, we remain dedicated to providing high-quality care for our youngest patients with excellence and compassion," said the hospital's statement.

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