Address
2855 Schoenersville Rd.
Bethlehem, PA 18017
Phone: 610.807.4200
Fax: 610.807.4205
Located in eastern Pennsylvania (approximately 90 minutes from both Philadelphia and New York City), Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Hospital Emily Howatt Pliskatt Pediatric Unit is a specialized inpatient pediatric rehabilitation leader with programs designed specifically to treat children with complex medical and congenital conditions.
Led by Kimberly Kuchinski, MD, MPH, medical director of pediatric physical medicine and rehabilitation, the expert team at Good Shepherd’s 20-bed unit provides compassionate rehabilitation care to children up to age 21.
Pediatric Conditions Treated
- Amputation
- Brain injury
- Burns
- Cancer
- Cerebral palsy
- Complex respiratory problems
- Feeding disorders
- Multiple fractures
- Orthopedic conditions
- Post-surgery
- Prematurity
- Skills regression
- Spinal cord injury
- Stroke
- Traumatic injury
- Wounds
Multidisciplinary Care Team
- Pediatrician and pediatric physiatrist (physical medicine and rehabilitation)
- Nursing
- Physical therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Recreational therapy
- Respiratory therapy
- Speech therapy
- Care management
- Neuropsychology
- Counseling
- Dietary
Programs Offered
- Complex Respiratory Program
- Jump Start Program
- Neonatal Abstinence Program
- Feeding Program (Good Shepherd’s is one of only five inpatient intensive feeding programs internationally that meet the International Association of Pediatric Feeding and Swallowing criteria)
- Orthopedic Program
- Complex Rehabilitation Program (Brain/Spinal Cord/Stroke)
- Amplified Musculoskeletal Pain Syndrome (AMPS)
- Bridge to Home Program
Trexo Plus
Good Shepherd is proud to be one of a handful of “Centers of Excellence” in the U.S. to pioneer Trexo Plus, a robotic gait training technology that encourages independence and physical activity.
The wearable device allows kids with lower-extremity weakness and/or spasticity to get on their feet and walk — maybe even for the first time.
Families Are Important Part of Care Team
Families play an important role in all steps of a child’s recovery. That’s why visits and overnight stays by family members are encouraged at the Pediatric Unit. Patients and family members are placed in the center of the care plan, with the goal of returning the child to home, school and the community. Every effort is made to accommodate cultural and spiritual needs.
The Pediatric Unit staff works with parents and family members on caring for the child, using special equipment and home modification.
Patient and Family Advisory Council
Good Shepherd’s Patient and Family Advisory Council (PFAC) consists of community and staff volunteers working together to improve the patient, caregiver and family experience at Good Shepherd. Each PFAC member (advisor) is a staff member or has experience as either a patient, family member or caregiver.
The PFAC, which meets virtually once per quarter, discusses important issues pertaining to the delivery of inpatient and outpatient pediatric rehabilitation. Advisors have the opportunity to contribute their perspective regarding the issues discussed and work
to improve:
- Patient safety
- Quality of care
- Patient and family experiences
- Communication, research and education
- Patient-centered care
For more information, email [email protected].
Expertise and Compassion
Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Hospital Emily Howatt Pliskatt Pediatric Unit is CARF-accredited, the gold standard for rehabilitation care.
- Dual-boarded pediatrician and pediatric physiatrist on-site
- Majority of staff hold a rehabilitation-specific certification
- High patient and family satisfaction
Additionally, Good Shepherd is a member of the International Pediatric Rehabilitation Collaborative (IPRC), which promotes excellence in specialized pediatric rehabilitation care.
Safe Sleep Champion
The Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Hospital Pediatric Unit is recognized by the National Safe Sleep Hospital Certification Program as a “Gold Certified Safe Sleep Champion” for a commitment to best practices and education on infant safe sleep.
Good Shepherd was one of the first hospitals in Pennsylvania to receive the title, taking an active role in encouraging safe sleep education to reduce preventable infant deaths. Every year, approximately 3,500 infant sleep-related deaths occur in the U.S. due to accidental suffocation, strangulation, or undetermined causes during sleep, according to Cribs for Kids®.
Learn more about our Safe Sleep Champion certification, as well as view educational tips.
Visitation
Each patient is allowed four (4) visitors at a time. All Pediatric Unit visitors must check in at the front desk.
Bedside accommodations are provided for parents of minors. For more information, see our visitation policy.
Local Hotels
Staybridge Suites Allentown/Bethlehem Airport
1787 A Airport Road
Allentown, PA 18109
877.238.8889
Hilton Garden Inn Allentown Bethlehem Airport
1787 B Airport Road
Allentown, PA 18109
610.443.1400
Schedule a Tour
For more information or to schedule a tour, please call 1.888.44.REHAB (73422) or fill out the form below.
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