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August 14, 2025 | news post

Dayton Children’s Mathile Center for Mental Health and Wellness welcomes first inpatients

hospital’s crisis center also relocates to new state-of-the-art facility

Dayton Children’s Hospital marks a milestone in its commitment to pediatric mental health with the opening of the Mathile Center for Mental Health and Wellness to inpatients, and the relocation of the hospital’s crisis center into the new building. 

The move represents far more than a change of address, it’s a significant step forward in providing compassionate, comprehensive mental health care in a space designed specifically for children and teens. The Mathile Center features expanded inpatient and crisis care capacity, therapeutic activity spaces and an environment focused on safety, healing and hope. 

The move to the Mathile Center was carefully coordinated to prioritize patient and staff safety, ensure privacy and minimize disruption.  

  • 19 patients from the inpatient mental health unit were transported from the main campus to the Mathile Center using a secure and private route. 
  • The crisis center closed at midnight on August 12 and re-opened in its new home at 10:00 a.m. August 13. 

The Mathile Center, located adjacent to Dayton Children’s main campus at 860 Valley Street, was designed with input from mental health professionals, patients and families to create a calming, therapeutic environment. The facility offers: 

  • Expanded inpatient mental health services to meet growing demand. 
  • Crisis care in a dedicated, child-friendly space to provide timely intervention. 
  • Natural light, art and open spaces to promote healing. 
  • Enhanced safety and security features to support patients and staff. 

This milestone comes at a critical time as mental health needs among children and adolescents continue to rise. With the opening of the Mathile Center, Dayton Children’s will be able to serve more families and deliver care in a facility that reflects the dignity and importance of mental and emotional well-being. 

The Mathile Center for Mental Health and Wellness was made possible through the generosity of community donors, including a transformational gift from the Mathile family, and the dedication of hospital staff who have worked tirelessly to bring this vision to life. 

For more information about the Mathile Center for Mental Health and Wellness, visit childrensdayton.org. 

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June 19, 2025 | news post

Dayton teen receives life-changing gene therapy thanks to partnership between Dayton Children’s and Nationwide Children’s

A transformative new chapter is unfolding in sickle cell care for local families, thanks to the powerful collaboration between Dayton Children’s Hospital and Nationwide Children’s Hospital. Seventeen-year-old Carlos A., a Dayton resident living with sickle cell disease (SCD), is now thriving at home—pain-free—after becoming one of the first patients in the nation to receive CASGEVY™, a cutting-edge gene therapy recently approved for clinical use. 

Carlos’ journey with sickle cell disease began at just one year old. For years, he endured severe pain crises, organ damage and frequent hospitalizations. But thanks to Nationwide Children’s and Dayton Children’s one program, two campus approach to bone marrow transplants, Carlos was able to receive this groundbreaking therapy with the support of both institutions every step of the way. 

“Thanks to the active collaboration between Nationwide Children’s and Dayton Children’s, Carlos’ care following discharge will continue closer to his home,” said Mukund Dole, MD, pediatric hematologist-oncologist at Dayton Children’s Hospital and program director of the West Central Ohio Comprehensive Sickle Cell Center in Dayton.

“It is truly wonderful to be able to work together in this way to nurture this kind of outcome for a patient with sickle cell disease.” 

Carlos’ 18-month journey to gene therapy included close coordination between his Dayton Children’s care team and specialists at Nationwide Children’s. He received monthly exchange transfusions, multiple rounds of stem cell mobilization, chemotherapy and finally, the CASGEVY infusion—a CRISPR-based therapy that reactivates the body’s ability to produce fetal hemoglobin. The result: red blood cells that can once again flow freely, without causing the painful blockages that define sickle cell disease. 

“Carlos has been through a very traumatic journey with his sickle cell disease, so when we presented this gene therapy option to his family, they were excited to pursue it,” said Hemalatha Rangarajan, MD, pediatric stem cell transplant physician at Nationwide Children’s. “The type of gene therapy Carlos has undergone resulted in a reawakening of the fetal hemoglobin, the hemoglobin that is present in utero. Now, Carlos is making his own fetal hemoglobin, which should not cause further sickle cell crisis.” 

While the infusion itself took less than an hour, the impact is lifelong. Carlos is now pain-free and optimistic about what lies ahead.  

“I want to enjoy life before I get to the grind. I want to go outside for longer, be in extreme temperatures for as long as I want, because my physical strength can be up for it,” said Carlos. “I wish that this had been available earlier in my life, and I hope that a lot more kids get access to this, not just me.” 

With recovery now underway, Carlos will continue his follow-up care at Dayton Children’s, thanks to the shared program’s integrated approach. This joint effort ensures seamless continuity of care, from gene therapy consultation through long-term monitoring and support. 

“We didn’t think people cared enough about sickle cell, because it only affects a certain demographic of Americans,” said Carlos’ grandmother, Crystal Sullivan. “Now, Carlos has his freedom. We can finally do whatever he wants—without fear of pain.” 

Nationwide Children’s became an authorized treatment center for CASGEVY™ in December 2023. The therapy, which uses CRISPR technology to edit a patient’s own stem cells, is the first of its kind and represents a promising leap forward in the search for a cure. 

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If you are interested in pursuing a story about Dayton Children’s please contact: Katie Solovey public relations manager 937-641-3666

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care that goes above and beyond

Because every child deserves care that goes above and beyond, Dayton Children’s provides compassionate, expert care for kids of all ages. Find a provider, schedule an appointment, or learn more about conditions we treat today.

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June 2, 2025 | news post

Dayton Children’s opens new outpatient care center

Expanded services in Centerville/Washington Township offer convenient care for local families

Dayton Children’s Hospital opens its newest outpatient care center in Centerville/Washington Township. Located at 5501 Far Hills Avenue, the new two-story, 26,540-square-foot building, expands access to specialized pediatric services in a convenient and kid-friendly setting. 

The Centerville/Washington Township outpatient care center offers the services that families use on a frequent basis, such as physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech/language therapy. Children typically attend these appointments weekly, so keeping that care close to home is much more convenient for families.  

This new location also provides laboratory testing and imaging, replacing Dayton Children’s Kettering testing center.  

“As we continue to grow and meet the needs of families across the region, this new outpatient care center allows us to offer expert, child-focused care even closer to home,” said Debbie Feldman, president and CEO of Dayton Children’s Hospital.

“With expanded space and services, the Centerville/Washington Township location ensures that more families can access the care their children need to thrive.” 

Laboratory and imaging services at the new location are available for walk-in visits with a physician referral. Rehabilitation therapies require both a referral and an appointment. 

Centerville/Washington Township outpatient care center fast facts: 

  • Address: 5501 Far Hills Avenue, Dayton, OH 
  • Phone: 937-641-3070 (option 1) 
  • Hours
    • Rehabilitation services: Monday–Friday, 8:00 am–4:30 pm  
    • Lab and imaging: Monday–Friday, 8:30 am–5:30 pm 

Dayton Children’s outpatient care centers: 

  • Beavercreek 
  • Centerville/Washington Township 
  • Dayton 
  • Huber Heights 
  • Springboro 
  • Troy 

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If you are interested in pursuing a story about Dayton Children’s please contact: Katie Solovey public relations manager 937-641-3666

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care that goes above and beyond

Because every child deserves care that goes above and beyond, Dayton Children’s provides compassionate, expert care for kids of all ages. Find a provider, schedule an appointment, or learn more about conditions we treat today.

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February 21, 2025 | news post

Dayton Children’s Hospital and Wright State University expand longtime partnership

The Wright State University Board of Trustees has approved an expansion of its long-standing partnership with Dayton Children’s Hospital to further develop and grow the pediatric clinical workforce and enhance research aimed at improving children’s health outcomes in the Dayton region.

Wright State’s Boonshoft School of Medicine and Dayton Children’s Hospital currently partner to provide the Integrated Pediatric Residency Program and fellowships in pediatric emergency and hospital medicine. As part of their medical education, all Wright State medical students complete their required pediatric rotations at Dayton Children’s, making this partnership essential to their training and success. Many Dayton Children’s physicians also serve on the Boonshoft School of Medicine faculty.

Through this expanded partnership, Wright State and Dayton Children’s will work together to:

  • Grow and develop the clinical workforce by increasing the number of primary care pediatricians, building additional clinical workforce training capacity and upskilling in-career clinicians
  • Increase research focused on regional children’s health priorities, including maternal health and infant mortality, chronic disease and mental health
  • Expand services in underserved areas with focus on primary care deserts

“As Dayton’s public university, Wright State is committed to training the next generation of physicians who will positively impact the communities we serve,” said Sue Edwards, president of Wright State. “Our expanded partnership with Dayton Children’s Hospital marks a transformative step—enhancing clinical training opportunities for our medical students and residents while improving access to high-quality pediatric care. This partnership strengthens our shared mission to advance medical education, improve patient care and fuel the region’s health care workforce.”

The enhanced partnership aims to improve health outcomes for children of the Dayton region. Statistics show that many children in our community are not thriving:

  • Ohio consistently ranks in the bottom half of states on child health and well-being.
  • Infant mortality rates are much higher in our community compared to the state rate.
  • A significant number of children in our community are facing mental health challenges.

“We recognize that, as two of the region’s critical organizations, we can do so much more together to grow and strengthen the pediatric-focused workforce, improve access to medical and mental health services for our children and focus research on moving the needle on health outcomes,” said Debbie Feldman, president and CEO of Dayton Children’s.  “Together there is so much we can do to strengthen the health of our children and our community.”

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If you are interested in pursuing a story about Dayton Children’s please contact: Katie Solovey public relations manager 937-641-3666

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care that goes above and beyond

Because every child deserves care that goes above and beyond, Dayton Children’s provides compassionate, expert care for kids of all ages. Find a provider, schedule an appointment, or learn more about conditions we treat today.

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December 5, 2024 | news post

Dayton Children’s breaks ground on new kinship housing project in Old North Dayton

26 housing unit initiative is first-of-its-kind for a children’s hospital

Dayton Children’s Hospital celebrates the groundbreaking of a transformative kinship housing project in Greater Old North Dayton, an initiative designed to support kinship families by providing safe, affordable housing. The development will include 26 ADA-accessible housing units designed with kinship families in mind.  

“Dayton Children’s vision is to reinvent the path to children’s health in our region,” said Debbie Feldman, president and CEO of Dayton Children’s. “To do that, we recognize that only so much can be done inside the walls of the hospital or the doctor’s office with 80% of health determined by where that child lives, learns and plays.”

“this initiative is more than housing. It’s about nurturing a sense of belonging and providing support for kinship families who give so much to the children in their care.” 

Many families providing kinship care have obstacles in housing, such as living in a retirement community that doesn’t allow children. These homes, located on Alaska and Rita Streets, will have at least three bedrooms, ensuring space for siblings and larger families. Shared spaces like a community garden, play areas and a community room will foster connection and support optimal child development. These homes will also be close to urban amenities, schools, parks and Dayton Children’s Hospital, creating easy access to essential resources. Program connections to education, food and social services will help families thrive while reducing isolation. 

more than just housing 

The project was born three years ago from conversations with Dayton Children’s community health workers. They identified a growing need for stable housing among kinship families—grandparents, aunts, uncles and others stepping in to care for children when parents cannot. 

“This initiative is a first-of-its-kind for a children’s hospital,” said Feldman. “By building a neighborhood dedicated to kinship care and maintaining ownership of these homes, we are ensuring that this support will endure for generations.” 

made possible through community partnerships 

This ambitious project has been made possible through the dedication, expertise and support of numerous partners, including:

  • PNC Bank 
  • Dayton Children’s Hospital 
  • 4% low-income housing tax credits by the Ohio Housing Finance Agency (syndicated by Marble Cliff Capital) 
  • City of Dayton HOME and American Rescue Plan funds 
  • Montgomery County HOME funds 
  • Permanent debt from HOPE of the Midwest 
  • Construction loan from First Financial Bank 
  • U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development 
  • The Housing Development Loan (HDL) program  
  • Wallick Communities, property management 
  • ATA Beilharz Architects 
  • CityWide Community Development

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If you are interested in pursuing a story about Dayton Children’s please contact:

Katie Solovey public relations manager 937-641-3666

email

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care that goes above and beyond

Because every child deserves care that goes above and beyond, Dayton Children’s provides compassionate, expert care for kids of all ages. Find a provider, schedule an appointment, or learn more about conditions we treat today.

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October 8, 2024 | news post

Dayton Children’s ranks in two specialties with U.S. News & World Report Best Children’s Hospitals

Orthopedics, behavioral health among best in the country

Dayton Children’s Hospital has been recognized as a 2024-2025 Best Children’s Hospital by U.S. News & World Report. The rankings assist parents and caregivers, along with their physicians, in navigating the challenges of choosing the best possible care for children with serious illnesses or complex medical needs. 

This is the fifth year in a row that the orthopedics division at Dayton Children’s has been recognized by U.S. News & World Report for the division’s world-class, innovative care. In addition to orthopedics, the hospital’s behavioral health program was also ranked among the top 50 children’s hospitals in the country. This is the first year U.S. News has ranked adolescent behavioral health. 

“Orthopedics and behavioral health are two of our busiest and most impactful specialties here at Dayton Children’s,” said Deborah Feldman, president and CEO of Dayton Children’s Hospital. “We are delighted to have them recognized by U.S. News & World Report for their innovative approach to care. Although the ranking is just one factor among many for families when deciding on the best care for their child, we hope it provides them with added confidence in choosing Dayton Children’s for their health care needs.” 

orthopedics at Dayton Children’s  

The orthopedics division is a destination for families seeking innovative, personalized approaches to their child’s care. This is especially true for spine and scoliosis patients, where Dayton Children’s is pioneering minimally invasive procedures, like ApiFix, which offer substantial benefits over traditional fusion surgery including a smaller incision and shorter hospital stay. The Dayton Children’s orthopedics division is also recognized for its state-of-the art gait lab, the innovative Center for the Female Athlete program, approach to ACL reconstruction and rehab, and care for congenital conditions, like clubfoot and arthrogryposis. 

“We are thrilled to be recognized by U.S. News & World Report for the work being done in our orthopedics division for the fifth year in a row,” said Michael Albert, MD, chief, pediatric orthopedics at Dayton Children’s.

“We know that having convenient, world-class orthopedics care close to home matters to the families we care for. This ranking demonstrates our continued commitment to families in our region and beyond.” 

behavioral health at Dayton Children’s 

Behavioral health has been a focus for the hospital over the last several years after recognizing the size and scale of the mental health crisis among children and teens. To respond, the hospital will be opening The Mathile Center for Mental Health and Wellness in 2025, which will double the available space for mental health patients. In addition, the behavioral health program offers robust and specialized therapy programs, provides student resiliency coordinators in nearly 40 schools throughout Dayton and supports the On Our Sleeves movement for mental health, which focuses on prevention and emotional wellbeing. 

“We are pleased to have our adolescent behavioral health program ranked by U.S. News & World Report,” said Kelly Blankenship, DO, associate medical officer for behavioral health and division chief of psychiatry at Dayton Children’s.

“At Dayton Children’s, we are committed to addressing the youth mental health crisis and will continue to work with our community to meet the growing demand for services. We are honored to have our work recognized in this way.” 

U.S. News, together with RTI International, a North Carolina-based research and consulting firm, collected and analyzed data from 108 children’s hospitals and surveyed thousands of pediatric specialists. Children’s hospitals awarded a “Best” designation excelled at factors such as clinical outcomes, level and quality of hospital resources directly related to patient care and expert opinion among pediatric specialists. 

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If you are interested in pursuing a story about Dayton Children’s please contact:

Katie Solovey
public relations manager
937-641-3666

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care that goes above and beyond

Because every child deserves care that goes above and beyond, Dayton Children’s provides compassionate, expert care for kids of all ages. Find a provider, schedule an appointment, or learn more about conditions we treat today.

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May 1, 2024 | news post

Dayton Children’s announces new Center for Emotional Wellbeing

Center brings together eight existing programs focused on mental health prevention and intervention

To kick-off Mental Health Awareness Month, Dayton Children’s Hospital is announcing the new Center for Emotional Wellbeing, bringing together eight existing Dayton Children’s programs to promote positive mental, emotional, behavioral and physical health development in children and adolescents.  
 
Emotional wellbeing gives children the ability to cope with the ups and downs of life. It doesn’t just make you feel good—it impacts a child’s outlook, relationships, and mental and physical health. Unfortunately, many children and adolescents in the Dayton region don’t experience emotional wellbeing. Poverty and food insecurity, unstable family relationships, the influence of social media and lingering effects of the pandemic all play a role. These and other stressors increase a child’s risk for mental health conditions—the number one health concern facing youth in our community and nationwide.  

With this background in mind, Dayton Children’s aligned programs that already existed throughout the continuum of mental health care “under one roof” to share the broad scope of work being done throughout the community.

“The programs go beyond the hospital’s walls to meet children where they are,” says Sue Fralick, director of the Center for Emotional Wellbeing at Dayton Children’s. “The center’s 100-plus employees serve children and families wherever there’s a need—at home, in school and at local pediatrician offices. We provide support, education and skill-building early on to prevent crisis situations in the future that are more challenging and expensive to treat.”  

Programs that fall under the Center for Emotional Wellbeing include: 

clinic-based programs  

  • HealthySteps — Parenting and child development support for families of children ages zero to three 

community-based programs  

  • Mental Health First Aid and suicide prevention training — Available to community members and Dayton Children’s staff  
  • On Our Sleeves — Provides tools to educate adults on childhood mental wellness to break the stigma around childhood mental health  

home-based programs  

  • Community health workers—Support for children and families to equip them with information and tools to address their mental and physical health outcomes 

school-based programs  

  • School-based therapy —Therapists embedded in elementary through high schools, as well as after-school programs
  • Student Resiliency Program —Student resiliency coordinators provide resiliency development for students and families impacted by trauma by working full-time at area schools helping students build on their strengths  

resource programs  

  • Mental Health Resource Connection — works with community pediatrician offices to connect patients and families to mental health services  
  • Youth and Family Resource Connection — works with area school staff to connect students and families with local resources that promote social and mental wellness

“Helping children who struggle emotionally is critical,” says Sue. “If we wait too long, symptoms of anxiety, depression and other mental health concerns may develop. They can become chronic, lasting weeks, months or even years.”   

The Center for Emotional Wellbeing is the latest step that Dayton Children’s is taking to address the growing need for behavioral health services in the Dayton region. In addition to the new center, Dayton Children’s continues its work on a new behavioral health building, scheduled to open in 2025, which will double the number of beds for behavioral health patients and will allow for strengthened and smoother continuity of care by bringing behavioral health inpatient, outpatient and crisis services all under one roof. 

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Media inquiries can be made by email or calling 937-641-3666. After hours, call 937-641-3000 and ask for the marketing person on-call.

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care that goes above and beyond

Because every child deserves care that goes above and beyond, Dayton Children’s provides compassionate, expert care for kids of all ages. Find a provider, schedule an appointment, or learn more about conditions we treat today.

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March 20, 2024 | news post

Dayton Children’s opens Simulation Center, including first ambulance simulator in Ohio hospital

Today, Dayton Children’s will open a simulation center inside the hospital’s main campus, which will include the only ambulance simulator of its kind in an Ohio hospital, and the only one in a pediatric hospital in the U.S. This is one of just 140 ambulance simulators in the nation. 

A medical simulation center is an essential training ground for health care professionals and the region’s only level 1 pediatric trauma center at Dayton Children’s is no exception. Dayton Children’s Simulation Center is designed to help medical staff become more confident in treating pediatric patients, including local EMTs and students in training or school.

“This state-of-the-art facility represents a significant milestone for our institution and an investment in the next generation of pediatric health care experts,” shares Adam Mezoff, MD, vice president and chief medical officer. “By providing an advanced and immersive training environment, we are fostering caregiver innovation and excellence that will impact the lives of our region’s children for years to come.”

7 reasons why the Simulation Center matters to staff, patients and families:

  1. Safe training environment: It provides a risk-free setting for practicing medical procedures without endangering patients as training is performed on mannequins.
  2. Skill refinement: Repeated practice hones clinical skills and boosts confidence in health care providers.
  3. Teamwork skills: It fosters collaboration among medical teams, improving communication and coordination during patient care.
  4. Error prevention: By simulating real-life scenarios, the simulator helps identify and prevent potential medical errors, enhancing patient safety.
  5. Consistent education: Ensures that all learners receive standardized training, maintaining quality and competency across the board.
  6. Innovation hub: Acts as a platform for testing and refining new medical techniques and procedures.
  7. Cost-efficiency: While it requires an initial investment, it ultimately saves money by reducing training costs and preventing costly medical errors in the long run.

Dayton Children’s ambulance simulator is one of just 140 in the nation. The ambulance is on a traction device that mimics being on a highway while providing care for critically ill or injured patients (mannequins) to simulate a real-life situation for training purposes.

In addition to the ambulance simulator, there are a variety of features included with the simulation center for training staff and community members. These spaces are also designed for hands-on training, which includes a trauma/intensive care unit room, inpatient room, clinic/family training room, control room, and two debriefing rooms.

additional spaces:

  • Trauma/Intensive Care Unit room: This space is specifically set up for practicing trauma scenarios and handling various situations encountered in Dayton Children’s emergency department and Intensive Care Units. Simulations are recorded for later review, helping clinicians to learn and enhance patient care.
  • Inpatient room:  This room is a duplicate of the hospital’s regular inpatient rooms from the patient tower for training purposes.
  • Control room: This is the central hub where all the action unfolds. From initiating recordings to controlling the breathing of the practice mannequin, the control room orchestrates the simulation scenarios.
  • Debrief room: In this room, groups and individuals will break down the scenarios and talk about what went right and what could have gone better. 

For community providers, local schools or others who may be interested in scheduling time at the Dayton Children’s Simulation Center, please contact the Center at 937-641-3086.

contact us

If you are interested in pursuing a story about Dayton Children’s please contact:

Katie Solovey
public relations manager
937-641-3666

email

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care that goes above and beyond

Because every child deserves care that goes above and beyond, Dayton Children’s provides compassionate, expert care for kids of all ages. Find a provider, schedule an appointment, or learn more about conditions we treat today.

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July 24, 2023 | news post

Dayton Children’s receives Magnet designation® for a third time

Magnet designation® is nursing’s highest honor

Magnet designation® is one of the most prestigious honors a hospital can achieve, and Dayton Children’s Hospital received it for the third time on Monday, July 24, 2023.

This is nursing’s highest honor, meaning Dayton Children’s Hospital has been recognized nationally as the gold standard in patient care and the professional practice of nursing by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).

Dayton Children’s is one of 39 Magnet-designated hospitals in Ohio. The 612 Magnet designated organizations represent approximately 10% of all U.S. health care organizations. Magnet hospitals have lower patient mortality, fewer medical complications, improved patient and employee safety, and higher patient and staff satisfaction.

Overall

  • 10% of hospitals in the US are designated Magnet
  • In Ohio, we are 1 of 39 hospitals designated Magnet
  • In the U.S., we are 1 of 612 hospitals designated Magnet

Pediatric facilities

  • In Ohio, we are 1 of 4 pediatric hospitals designated Magnet
  • In the U.S., we are 1 of 48 pediatric hospitals designated Magnet

“Receiving Magnet re-designation is a huge win not only for Dayton Children’s nurses and staff but also for our patient families and the community,” says Jayne Gmeiner, MS, RN, NEA-BC, chief nursing officer.  “The kids we treat are truly the real winners here because this is just another reminder of the amazing care by the best nurses available to patient families throughout the region.”

The Magnet Recognition Program designates organizations worldwide where nursing leaders successfully align their nursing strategic goals to improve the organization’s patient outcomes.

In order to achieve Magnet designation, Dayton Children’s achieved a comprehensive set of criteria measuring the strength and quality of nursing.   To nurses, Magnet Recognition means education and development through every career stage, which leads to greater autonomy at the bedside. To patients, it means the very best care, delivered by nurses who are supported to be the very best that they can be.

contact us

If you are interested in pursuing a story about Dayton Children’s please contact:

Katie Solovey
public relations manager
937-641-3666

email

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care that goes above and beyond

Because every child deserves care that goes above and beyond, Dayton Children’s provides compassionate, expert care for kids of all ages. Find a provider, schedule an appointment, or learn more about conditions we treat today.

find a provider
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July 18, 2023 | news post

Dayton Children’s earns verification as Level 1 Surgery Center

American College of Surgeons recognizes hospital for quality surgical care

Dayton Children’s Hospital received verification from the American College of Surgeons (ACS) as a Level 1 Children’s Surgery Center. This is the highest level attainable, proving once again to parents that they can rely on Dayton Children’s to provide the best care for their child, even in the toughest circumstances.

The ACS Children’s Surgery Verification (CSV) Quality Improvement Program confirms that Dayton Children’s provides the highest quality, safe surgical care. It specifically addresses the surgical care of infants and children, because they are not just little adults. They have unique needs before, during and after surgery. This program is based upon the standards that define the resources believed necessary to achieve optimal patient outcomes for children’s surgical care.

To achieve this verification, Dayton Children’s underwent a comprehensive review of hospital data and a site visit at the hospital’s two surgery centers in Dayton and Springboro. Through the verification process, ACS surveyors looked at quality measures, multidisciplinary clinical programs and surgical staff.

“When it comes to your child, any surgery, regardless of how minor it may seem, is a big deal,” said Daniel Robie, MD, surgeon-in-chief and associate medical officer at Dayton Children’s. “We take that responsibility very seriously. Our goal is to make the entire experience exceptional by providing wrap-around support and getting your child back to doing what they do best – being a kid.”

what it means for Harper

This attention to detail and wrap-around care was crucial to Jessica Teegarden when her daughter Harper was born with gastroschisis. Gastroschisis happens when the abdominal wall does not close during fetal life, and the abdominal organs are outside at birth. In complex cases, like Harper’s, there may also be a twist in the intestine which results in a significant loss of intestine. This can cause the infant to be dependent on nutrition through an IV.

After she was born, Harper was transferred to the newborn intensive care unit (NICU) at Dayton Children’s Hospital. She underwent a series of surgeries over the next year to reconnect her intestine and place it back into the abdomen. Today, Harper is a happy, thriving three-year-old who eats what she wants and all she needs.

“It all seems like it’s never going to end but these kinds of complex cases just take time,” says Jessica. “When you look back on it, you just become so appreciative of everyone who was involved in your child’s case.”

surveyor’s comments

Some of the strengths the surveyors pointed out included:

  • Sensitivity and support of the child with special needs with innovative sensory rooms
  • Programs that support the child before and after surgery such as:
    • The child life program
    • The hospitalist program
    • The dialysis program
  • Programs that support the treatment of abused children
  • Participation in the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) to track surgical data, measure quality and improve outcomes
  • Inclusion of information technology and automation
  • Creating and implementing educational and outreach programs
  • Involvement at state and regional levels in care planning and development
  • Leadership of the surgical program, operating room and anesthesia
  • Support from the hospital administration
  • Research productivity

fast facts

  • There are only 57 Level 1 Children’s Surgery Centers nationwide.
  • Dayton Children’s performs more than 13,000 surgeries every year at two surgery centers.
  • Some of the most common surgeries at Dayton Children’s are:
    • Ear tubes
    • Hernia
    • Circumcision
    • Scoliosis
  • Some unique and specialized surgical programs at Dayton Children’s include:
    • Advanced pain management techniques including cryoablation
    • Leading provider of ApiFix spine correction surgery
    • Minimally invasive techniques
    • Use of the Rosa Robot for epilepsy surgery
  • The hospital employs 116 board-certified surgery staff
    • 37 board-certified surgeons across eight surgical subspecialties
    • 20+ pediatric anesthesiologists
  • The child life team at Dayton Children’s helps patients feel less anxious before and after surgery with distraction and calming techniques.

contact us

Media inquiries can be made by email or calling 937-641-3666. After hours, call 937-641-3000 and ask for the marketing person on-call.

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care that goes above and beyond

Because every child deserves care that goes above and beyond, Dayton Children’s provides compassionate, expert care for kids of all ages. Find a provider, schedule an appointment, or learn more about conditions we treat today.

find a provider
schedule appointment
conditions we treat