Pediatric Surgery in Berks County

Penn State Health St. Joseph Medical Center has a dedicated pediatric inpatient unit known for providing compassionate, high‑quality care for children from birth through age 17. Now, pediatric surgeons from Penn State Health Children’s Hospital are bringing their specialized expertise directly to St. Joseph Medical Center — right here in Berks County. 

That means children who need many of the most common pediatric surgical procedures can stay close to home, in a hospital setting designed with kids in mind. And you can stay close to them, without the stress of traveling far for expert care. 

Read the January 2026 announcement

What should I expect if my child is admitted to the hospital for surgery?

We know that being in the hospital can feel scary for kids, so we work hard to make them feel safe and supported. Most importantly, your child will be cared for by experts who understand children’s unique needs. The care team at St. Joseph Medical Center will thoroughly evaluate your child’s condition and keep you informed every step of the way.

We know there’s no place like home, so we’ll make sure you and your child are as comfortable as possible. We’ll tell you what you can bring from home to help make the surroundings feel a little more familiar. Our nurses will give you all the information you need based on your child’s medical condition. Above all, you can count on treatment by expert pediatric caregivers in a welcoming space.

Care from children’s health experts

After surgery, your child will receive care in St. Joseph Medical Center’s 15-bed inpatient pediatric unit. The unit is staffed by pediatric doctors and pediatric registered nurses with up to 30+ years of experience. This dedicated team focuses on both medical excellence and emotional support for kids and families. The unit provides treatment for both short-term (acute) and long-term (chronic) illnesses, as well as recovery from general pediatric surgery, including:

• Abdominal and digestive problems
  • Appendectomies
  • Laparoscopic gallbladder surgery, with or without imaging dye test
  • Gastrostomy tube procedures, including GJ tube exchange and closure of a gastrocutaneous fistula
  • Rectal biopsy
  • Upper endoscopy (EGD) with optional biopsy or dilation
• Inguinal (laparoscopic or open) and umbilical hernia repairs
• Skin, soft tissue and cyst procedures
  • Removal of dermoid cyst, sebaceous cyst or other benign skin lesions
  • Thyroglossal duct cyst removal
  • Branchial cleft cyst removal
  • Lymph node biopsy
  • Pilonidal cyst/sinus excision
  • Incision and drainage of pilonidal abscess
• Infant circumcision
• Central line placement or removal
• Minimally invasive surgery

Children who need more specialized surgery can be referred to Penn State Health Children’s Hospital in Hershey.

A space designed for kids and families

Our pediatric unit is designed to make children and families feel more comfortable, with age-appropriate activities. You’ll find:

• A bright, spacious playroom
• Activity bags with games and toys by age group
• Xbox consoles
• Interactive in-room TV system for education and entertainment
• Free meal vouchers
• Sleeping and shower spaces for parents or guardians

What if my child needs specialized outpatient care?

Our Children’s Hospital physicians provide outpatient care for a wide range of specialties at Penn State Health Pediatric Specialties in the St. Joseph Medical Center Medical Office Building. From orthopedics to cardiology, endocrinology and neurology, specialized care requires dedicated experts, and you don’t need to travel far to find them.

Why choose us?

Penn State Health St. Joseph Medical Center serves the Berks region with outpatient and inpatient diagnostic, medical and surgical services on its Bern Township campus.

Founded in 1873 by the Sisters of St. Francis, St. Joseph Medical Center has earned national accreditations for excellence in treating chest pain, stroke, heart failure and cancer. St. Joseph Medical Center joined Penn State Health in 2015.

Specially trained pediatric surgeons from Penn State Health Children’s Hospital perform surgery in our medical center. St. Joseph Medical Center pediatric specialists provide a full spectrum of support and highly specialized care to infants, children and adolescents at our inpatient unit.

Pediatric surgery appointments

Penn State Health St. Joseph Medical Center 
Medical Office Building 
2494 Bernville Road, Suite 106 
Reading, PA 19605 
800-243-1455
717-531-8342
Fax referrals: 717-531-4789
Fax records: 717-531-0951

Learn more about the Penn State Health Children’s Hospital approach to pediatric surgery.

Penn State Health St. Joseph Medical Center
2500 Bernville Road
Reading, PA 19605