Inpatient Pediatric Unit

A Compassionate, Highly Skilled Staff Cares for Your Child

Bryn Mawr Hospital and Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children have collaborated to provide exceptional healthcare for children, close to home. In our Inpatient Pediatric Unit, your child will receive 24-hour care and monitoring by specialty trained pediatric professionals. A registered nurse will coordinate your child's care, working closely with a patient care technician and your child's physician. The nursing staff will check your child's vital signs - pulse, blood pressure, respiration, temperature and perhaps weight - at specific intervals around the clock.

Each of the physicians and nurses caring for children on the inpatient unit is specialty trained in infant, child and adolescent medicine. We have more than 30 pediatric specialists who have concentrated on studying one specific area of medicine from a pediatric perspective. Our staff of board-certified pediatricians specialize in the inpatient hospital care of children. Pediatricians are available 24 hours a day.

It's never easy to hospitalize a sick child. On the Inpatient Pediatric Unit at Bryn Mawr Hospital, we work to ease your anxiety and make your child's hospital stay as comfortable as possible. Because parents play a vital role in the recovery of their children, you are included as a valuable member of the healthcare team. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff will describe every aspect of your child's care and keep you informed every step of the way.

Sophisticated Care and Large Does of Love

Some children may require technologically advanced cardiac and respiratory monitoring systems, located at the bedside. While the monitors are on, they can be viewed from the nurse's workstation. It is normal for these monitors and other medical devices to sound an alarm at times for various reasons. When caring for children who require high-tech support, we are very aware that we must meet their nonmedical needs as well.

A Special Feature: The Treatment Room

We want to reassure children that their rooms are a friendly place where they are safe. Sometimes a child's medical care may involve a procedure that can be uncomfortable. Therefore, whenever possible, such care will be delivered in a separate treatment room. At that time, the healthcare team will discuss with you the importance of your participation or if it would be better for you to remain outside the treatment room.

Meals and Snacks

If your child has any dietary restrictions or food allergies, please inform the staff immediately. Our dietary department will work with you to provide your child with a nutritious meal.

Most children enjoy snacking throughout the day and sometimes a special treat from home can help them feel better; however, please check with the nurse first, because your child may be on a special diet or be instructed not to eat or drink for medical reasons. Also for your convenience, there is a kitchenette near the nurse's' station. It is stocked with infant formula, baby food, juices and more.

Playtime: An Important Part of Your Child's Routine

If your child's condition is not contagious, he or she may enjoy a trip to our playroom, accompanied by a parent. To help minimize the spread of germs, all toys in the room are cleaned on a regular basis. Playroom toys may be taken to your child's room, but should be returned to the nursing staff for cleaning.

Visiting Your Child

We will do everything possible to accommodate you. Parents may visit 24 hours a day. General visiting hours are from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., but may vary according to your child's needs.

Keeping Your Child Safe

Our specialized security procedures include an identification bracelet with an electronic sensor for all children 2 years and younger. If the bracelet is cut or a child gets too close to the unit entrance, an alarm will sound.

A Word About Cell Phones

Please do not use cell phones and laptop computers in the hospital.