THE CLEMENS FAMILY

A woman with two children and another adult standing together in a hospital hallway

Pediatric Care, Close to Home

Emotions run high, and life becomes more complicated, when a child is admitted to the hospital. Pediatric patients are often fearful, parents struggle with anxiety and fatigue, siblings at home must be cared for and households need to be managed. Helen Clemens is a mom who knows the scenario all too well. Her six-year-old daughter, Gretchen, has been hospitalized numerous times during her young life. In the past, those admissions required pediatric care at hospitals far from home. Today, Helen and her family can access the care they need locally, at the recently established Doylestown Health Carol and Louis Della Penna Pediatric Center.

The Carol and Louis Della Penna Pediatric Center

Family-Friendly Pediatric Inpatient Care

Located within Doylestown Hospital, the Della Penna Pediatric Center is an inpatient unit focused on the care of infants, children and teens. The center offers a caring and family-friendly atmosphere, with accommodations that enable parents to stay with their child around-the-clock. “The pediatric center is just three miles from our home,” notes Helen. “That makes a big difference when Gretchen is in the hospital. I want someone there with her twenty-four seven, and now it’s easy for other family members to help out.”

Helen notes that Gretchen likes the center, too, seeming less fearful when she is admitted. “It’s a quiet, healing atmosphere,” says Helen. “They have a playroom, lots of games, books and toys, and the nurses are phenomenal. I can’t say enough about them.”

Expert Pediatric Care and Community Programs

When it comes to caring for a child, specialized care is essential. At the Della Penna Pediatric Center, care is delivered by a highly qualified pediatrics team of board-certified pediatricians, skilled nurses and clinical staff. Also on site are nutritionists, physical and occupational therapists, social workers and case managers. As part of Doylestown Health, the pediatric center has immediate access to advanced imaging and diagnostic services, and surgical options.

Doylestown Health’s Pediatric Services have also expanded beyond the hospital setting and into the community, and include health and wellness education, nutrition services and more. Doylestown Health has partnered with local school districts, youth organizations and educational foundations to host community programs, classes, events and screenings as part of its mission to proactively advocate for the health of the youngest members of our community. These programs have reached more than 1,400 kids and parents annually.

A Grand Gesture

The availability of local pediatric care is important to grandparents, too. Gretchen’s grandmother, Mary Jane Clemens, felt so strongly about the benefits of pediatric care close to home she made a generous contribution to the Carol and Louis Della Penna Pediatric Center. “When Gretchen is sick, I like to be there to see her every day… We are so fortunate to have specialized pediatric care right here in Doylestown.”

Article featured in the Fall 2016 issue of the Doylestown Health Dialogue magazine

Doylestown Health’s Pediatric Campaign, 2014-2016

Investing Locally in our Future

Doylestown Health’s vision of an inpatient pediatric unit was made possible thanks to the many individuals, local businesses, corporations and foundations who contributed to the Pediatric Campaign. Since 2014, over $1.7 million has been donated to support the Della Penna Pediatric Center and launch community-wide pediatric education and outreach programs.

Inspired by the lead gift of Carol and Louis Della Penna, Doylestown-based PennColor, Inc. was one of the campaign’s lead donors. “Our company’s philosophy on charitable giving is to make contributions that will positively impact the quality of life for all members in the community,” notes Kevin Putman, President and CEO of Penn Color, a leading manufacturer of color concentrates, masterbatches, and pigment dispersions. “Supporting Doylestown Health’s mission to bring high-quality pediatric care to local families was very exciting and certainly matched our values.”

Charitable investments from community and business leaders have helped the Della Penna Pediatric Center grow into the robust program that it is today. Contributions have supported construction costs, significant equipment upgrades and outreach expenditures – all aimed at keeping the children of our community safe and healthy.

“We are proud to support Doylestown Health,” adds Putman. “Together, we are ensuring the health of our future.”

Carol and Louis Della Penna Donor Story

Support Doylestown Health Pediatric Services

Donations to the Della Penna Pediatric Center significantly impact the sustainability and future success of the programs and services offered to our most vulnerable patients. Make a contribution online or contact Doylestown Health Foundation at 215.345.2009.

“We are proud to support Doylestown Health,” adds Putman. “Together, we are ensuring the health of our future.”

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.

Join us and make a gift today. For more information about Doylestown Health Foundation and giving opportunities at Doylestown Health, please call 215.345.2009 or email gifts@dh.org. Thank you.

About Doylestown Health Foundation

As the philanthropic arm of Penn Medicine Doylestown Health, the Doylestown Health Foundation raises funds to safeguard the future of excellence in patient care and to improve the quality of life for all members of our Central Bucks County community and beyond.