The Penn State Children’s Hospital Approach to Care for Children with Multiple Medical Needs

Some children face a number of health challenges all at the same time. From seizures, to feeding difficulties, to chronic lung disease – managing multiple medical needs at the same time can be difficult. The team from Penn State Children’s Hospital will help a family and child whose care requires a high degree of attention and coordination, assisting the family with their complex needs. We care for children reliant on medical technology such as gastrostomy tubes and tracheostomy tubes and we serve as their primary care medical home.

Coordinated Care

The Pediatric Complex Care Team at Penn State Children’s Hospital works as partners with your family to make sure all of your child’s medical and non-medical needs are met. We serve as your medical home by helping you access, coordinate and understand all of the care your child needs. In addition, we can help you with medications; after-hours, inpatient, outpatient and in-home care; medical daycare; medical equipment; and community support services.

Why Choose Penn State Children’s Hospital for Complex Care

Penn State Health provides only the best for your child. We are committed to providing only the highest quality treatment and support, focusing on the unique needs of your child—physical and emotional. The pediatric complex care team at Penn State Children’s Hospital, the only such program in central Pennsylvania, offers three components:

• The team serves as the primary care medical home for your child
• A member of the team will work with your inpatient provider when your child is hospitalized
• Coordination of care with specialists, DME, home nursing agencies

Nationally Recognized Care

Penn State Children’s Hospital is routinely ranked among the best children’s hospitals in the nation due to our focus on patient care, safety and research.

Access to Additional Services

When you have a child with special needs, it can be difficult to know where to get all the services you need. We work with you to provide ongoing, family-centered care that helps you access services, community resources and advocacy. We work closely with your doctors, therapists and community providers and agencies to ensure that your child has access to every available resource.

Conditions Treated

Penn State Children’s Hospital complex care program provides care for children with multiple medical issues, including:

• Cerebral palsy
• Central line
• Congenital heart defects
• Epilepsy
• Fetal alcohol syndrome
• Gastric tube
• Genetic defects
• Ostomy
• Spina Bifida
• Tracheostomy tube