Thursday, June 22, 2023
St. Luke's University Health Network has recently announced the opening of St. Luke's Children's Hospital, located at the network's Bethlehem Campus in Fountain Hill, Pennsylvania. This exciting development recognizes St. Luke's long-standing commitment to pediatric care, as the hospital has been providing healthcare services for children since its establishment in 1872.
St. Luke's President & CEO, Richard A. Anderson, expressed his pride in the network's pediatric expertise, which has been cultivated over the years. This new designation as a children's hospital represents the culmination of efforts to enhance pediatric care and create a dedicated facility to serve the unique needs of young patients.
The journey towards establishing the children's hospital involved several milestones. In 2022, St. Luke's became a member of the Children's Hospital Association, demonstrating its dedication to aligning with leading organizations in pediatric healthcare. Additionally, the network opened the region's first standalone pediatric facility, the St. Luke's Pediatric Specialty Center, in May 2022. This center offers families the convenience of coordinating multiple specialty appointments in one location. Furthermore, St. Luke's renovated its 17-bed pediatric inpatient unit to ensure a comfortable and modern environment for young patients.
St. Luke's commitment to pediatric care extends beyond facilities and includes a diverse range of specialized services. The network has a team of over 35 pediatric specialists, including the region's only pediatric nephrologist, developmental pediatricians, and a large group of fellowship-trained pediatric orthopedic surgeons. Recent additions to the team include a Network Medical Director of Pediatric Emergency Medicine and a Child Life Specialist, further enhancing the comprehensive care provided.
St. Luke's has made significant investments in its pediatric programs, including the addition of an advanced Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) with eight beds in 2020. This unit caters to the needs of critically ill children, ensuring they receive the highest level of specialized care. Furthermore, St. Luke's opened the Baby & Me Support Center in 2017, which serves as a comprehensive resource for baby-related education and counseling, all in one convenient location.
In addition to these services, St. Luke's is proud to offer the region's only pediatric dialysis center and the first and only pediatric specialty labs. These facilities are specifically designed to create a comfortable and stress-free environment for children and their parents during medical visits.
The establishment of St. Luke's Children's Hospital signifies a significant advancement in pediatric healthcare in the Lehigh Valley. By providing a dedicated facility, specialized services, and a team of experienced professionals, St. Luke's is poised to continue its legacy of delivering exceptional care to children in the community.
Source: prnewswire.com
