Lancaster General Hospital’s newest unit is a space uniquely designed for children and families. The 20,000-square-foot. Seraph-McSparren Pediatric Inpatient Center, located in the Frederick Building, began welcoming patients in late September.
The 17-bed pediatric unit is equipped with a variety of family-centered comforts and amenities, state-of-the-art technology and services that will significantly enhance the patient experience and make a hospital stay less stressful and disruptive to children and parents.
“We are pleased to provide the best health-care experience possible to the children of our community,” said Jan Bergen, LG Health President & CEO. “The new state-of-the-art Pediatric Inpatient Center helps to provide a comforting space for children and their families as they go through a difficult time.”
The Seraph-McSparren Pediatric Inpatient Center has been designed around the patient and family. Patient rooms are larger to provide space for parents, who often remain at the child’s side during their care. The unit also includes interactive STEM elements, including play walls and in-room activities.
“To contribute to the healing of the patient, we know this care often extends to the immediate family members. To help support family while they are away from home and work, the unit meets many of these 21st century needs, including sleeping accommodations, meditation and personal computer work space, a kitchenette, shower, and laundry facilities,” shared Michelle Schori, executive director of Pediatrics.
The Pediatric Inpatient Center staff is experienced and specially trained to treat the needs of children. LG Health’s pediatric partnership with Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) enhances expertise and ensures a high level of care, with the ability to coordinate with doctors throughout LG Health and CHOP. The Center is staffed by CHOP hospitalists – physicians who care for patients exclusively in a hospital setting – and a team of pediatric-certified nurses with additional specialized education.
The Child Life Program, launched on the previous LGH pediatric unit in November 2018, continues to expand. With nearly 21,000 pediatric visits to the LGH Emergency Department and pediatric unit each year, Child Life Specialists are now available in both locations to support children and families.
“Child Life Specialists focus on reducing stress for children and families during a hospital stay,” said Schori. “The program provides opportunities to engage children in normal day-to-day activities, support their development and improve their ability to cope with the hospital experience.”
The Seraph-McSparren Pediatric Inpatient Center represents a significant investment in the community and by the community, which contributed more than $9.4 million toward the unit and its services. LG Health’s pediatric services also include neonatal intensive care, pediatric primary care, outpatient specialty care, and inpatient care, in partnership with world-renowned Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, a leader in patient care and research.