DANVILLE — The more things change the more they stay the same.
That's what Dr. Michael Ryan, director of pediatrics at Janet Weis Children's Hospital, in Danville, said, as he discussed the 16 year anniversary of the facility.
"I think even though there has been some changes made, the care and quality of service here remains great," Ryan said.
"What I have seen in general over the past 16 years is that more children are being admitted than before."
And that's not a bad thing, said Ryan, who has been with the children's hospital from day one.
"The reason we have seen an increase in children is because we specialize in children's care," Ryan said.
"We are lightyears ahead of where we were 16 years ago, and because we have so much more technology, we can provide care that is again very much ahead of years ago."
Since it's opening in 1995, Janet Weis has continued to deliver it's message of expert care from birth through adulthood, while continuing to grow in several key areas.
"I look at all the things we have done over the course of time and it just makes me proud," Ryan said.
"We just continue to grow."
Some of those changes included remodeling sections of the hospital, adding more patient beds, introducing new programs and hiring new employees, nearly doubling the size of the staff.
"We are making more space just for procedures," Ryan said.
"We have even developed a sedation service for children that need bone marrow or spinal taps, so they can go there and not be scared."
Geisinger physicians have experience in more than 40 children's specialties, and there are more than 100 specialists ready to provide care.
"I am proud of what we do here," Ryan said.
"Everyone works hard and everyone that is here is just unbelievable great to be around."
The hospital continues to attract new patients, Ryan said, noting that other medical units for children have closed in recent years.
"We have just made so many tremendous advances," Ryan said.
"I don't think they close because of us, but I think some of it has to do that we are just pediatric-based, so people come here."
Ryan is a Valley native and said he has seen some familiar faces at the hospital over his tenure.
"You get a personal relationship with many of these people, and because I grew up here, I have seen friends and neighbors and I am glad they trust in Janet Weis," Ryan said.
"Again, we are just very proud of what we have accomplished over the past 16 years and we are looking forward to the future."
E-mail comments to fscarcella@dailyitem.com.
Life
Related Photos
-
Melissa Beyer an R.N. C.P.N. at Janet Weis looks at a monitor in one of the rooms. Justin Engle/The Daily Item
-
The Lobby at the Janet Weis Children's Hospital. Justin Engle/The Daily Item
16 years old and still growing
- Life
-
-
Valley experts differ on ideas for job creation
SUNBURY — When President Barack Obama gives his jobs speech Thursday night before Congress and a nation facing a 9.1 unemployment rate, he should act to lower the minimum wage and taxes, target government investments wisely, spend on long-lasting projects, or cut spending, reduce regulations and trim the size of Washington, Valley experts suggested.
-
Carbs under control
Parents with a child who has Type 1 diabetes sometimes find it difficult to let go of the important responsibility to constantly check insulin levels. Just ask Doreen Giordani, of Sunbury.
-
After the pounds come off
Bariatric surgery offers those who are 100-plus-pounds overweight a viable option for reclaiming their lives, a physician at Geisinger Medical Center noted.
-
Accreditation awarded to hospital
Sunbury Community Hospital has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval for accreditation by demonstrating compliance with The Joint Commission’s national standards for health care and safety in hospitals.
-
16 years old and still growing
The more things change the more they stay the same. That's what Dr. Michael Ryan, director of pediatrics at Janet Weis Children's Hospital, in Danville, said, as he discussed the 16 year anniversary of the facility.
-
Americans turn to technology to control impulses
NEW YORK — Dan Nainan can't trust himself to work at his computer without clicking on distractions, so he uses an Internet-blocking program to shut down his Web access twice a day. "I'm sorry, but try as I might, I could never, ever do this on my own," said the New York City comedian who's struggling to finish a book. "I wish I could, but I just don't have the discipline."
-
Some babyproofing basics for the new year
Babies and toddlers are curious creatures. Something captures their attention — a stuffed animal, a shiny object or a noisy rattle — and they're going after it. Just make sure they aren't chasing a teddy bear on top of a dresser, the blade of a knife or a pill bottle.
-
Texts, Web really do allow Santa to be everywhere
PHILADELPHIA — He sees you when you're sleeping, he knows when you're awake, and he knows how many followers you have on Twitter.
-
In tough economy, Santas are suffering
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Craig McTavish — a.k.a. Santa — has the beard. He has the belly. He even has a few tricks up his sleeve, like pulling up to parties on his Harley-Davidson in full Kris Kringle garb. But there's one thing he doesn't have: work.
-
Soften the impact
The cold weather and snow are here, which means winter recreation enthusiasts should be armed with ways to protect themselves from traumatic head and brain injuries that are typical for the season.
- More Life Headlines
-
