Penn State Health Children's Hospital

About Penn State Health Children’s Hospital

Nestled in the heart of Hershey, PA, Penn State Health Children’s Hospital stands as a beacon of pediatric excellence. As a full-service hospital, our facility brings together cardiovascular and thoracic surgeons, oncologists, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, physical therapists, and an experienced surgical center team under one roof. From newborns in the NICU to teens requiring advanced oncology care or surgical intervention, our multidisciplinary staff is committed to delivering compassionate, family‐centered care across every specialty.

Comprehensive Pediatric Care

Families rely on Penn State Health Children’s Hospital for life-saving interventions and expert medical management. Our cardiovascular and thoracic surgeons work hand in hand with pediatric intensivists to design individualized treatment plans—whether it’s a complex heart repair or minimally invasive lung procedure. Likewise, our oncology specialists and hospice team collaborate to offer both curative therapies and dignified end-of-life support. While patient stories vary, many parents credit our clinicians with restoring health and hope; at the same time, we welcome all feedback as part of our ongoing quality‐improvement journey to ensure every child receives consistent, evidence-based care.

Expert Surgical Services & Efficiency

At our on-site surgical center, coordination and communication are paramount. Parents often praise the streamlined preoperative process, transparent scheduling, and timely postoperative updates. “Dr. Burns and the entire recovery team were so kind and accommodating,” one family shared, describing a seamless experience that helped them navigate surgery with confidence. Behind the scenes, our nurse practitioners and physician assistants ensure lab results, imaging, and consults flow smoothly—reducing unnecessary delays and giving families clear expectations every step of the way.

Specialized Departments & Collaborative Care

From physical therapy to interventional cardiology, each department at Penn State Health Children’s Hospital operates as part of an integrated network. Our physical therapy clinic offers tailored rehabilitation for injuries and chronic conditions, guided by licensed therapists who emphasize play-based techniques and functional milestones. In oncology, families benefit from a coordinated care plan that includes medical, psychosocial, and nutritional support. Although some families have experienced mixed communication across teams, our commitment to multidisciplinary rounds and centralized care coordination continues to strengthen information sharing and reduce confusion.

Holistic Support & Family Amenities

We understand that healing happens not only through medicine but also through comfort, normalcy, and emotional support. That’s why our Child Life specialists bring books, games, and creative activities right to your child’s bedside—and why pet therapy visits from friendly dogs are so eagerly anticipated. For parents and siblings, amenities like the free family lounge (complete with coffee, microwave, and TV), a complimentary meal voucher, and on-site laundry help ease the strain of a hospital stay. Families also appreciate the proximity of the Ronald McDonald House, offering private rooms and meals just steps away from the campus.

Neonatal Intensive Care Excellence

Our NICU nursing teams—led by dedicated caregivers such as Jess, Morgan, and Summer—exemplify personalized, vigilant care during those critical first days and weeks of life. Parents frequently highlight the warmth and expertise of these nurses, noting that their guidance made all the difference when an infant’s roadmap was uncertain. Whether providing kangaroo care coaching or meticulously monitoring ventilator settings, our NICU staff blends technical skill with deep compassion.

Accessible Campus & Seamless Logistics

Navigating a large medical campus can be daunting, especially with a child in tow. At Penn State Health Children’s Hospital, clear signage, frequent shuttles, and multiple parking options (including valet service) simplify your visit. The walk from the parking garage to our front entrance is short and stroller-friendly, and family parking vouchers are available for extended stays. Our goal is to minimize stressors so you can focus on what matters most: your child’s well-being.

Our Commitment to Continuous Improvement

We recognize that feedback—positive and constructive—is the engine of progress. While many families celebrate our compassionate nurses and life-saving expertise, others point to areas for growth, such as reducing emergency‐room wait times and enhancing interdepartmental communication. In response, we’re refining our scheduling workflows, investing in digital health records for smoother handoffs, and expanding bedside rounding to keep families fully informed. Every insight shared becomes an opportunity to raise the standard of care.

Discover the Penn State Health Difference

Choosing Penn State Health Children’s Hospital means partnering with a pediatric powerhouse that combines cutting-edge treatments with heartfelt support services. From the moment you enter our well-designed facility in Hershey, PA, you’ll find teams ready to champion your child’s health—whether it’s through complex surgery, rehabilitative therapy, or simply a friendly smile from our dedicated nurses. We invite you to experience the exceptional care, innovative programs, and family-focused amenities that define our hospital. Your child’s journey toward health and healing deserves nothing less than our very best.