CHOP to open Norristown clinic

The Children’s Hopsital of Philadelphia has announced plans to open a facility in Norristown, financed by a 15 million dollar gift from The Karabots Foundation. Steven Altschuler, president of CHOP, says the clinic will provide access to pediatric care in an area that is underserved. “These centers really become a community resource. We expect that when children and families start using these centers, it will cut down on the non-emergency use of emergency room in hospitals. Hopefully it will also just increase the overall health of the pediatric population in the Norristown area,” Altschuler says. Dr. Steven Shapiro, who has been practicing pediatric medicine in Norristown for 28 years says the new hospital will fill a void in pediatric care in the area. “This is one of the best things that could have happened,” Shapiro says. “I am very excited about it. I think it’s a long needed and definitely worthy opportunity.” In addition to primary care, the center will provide psychological couseling and community-based education programs. Planners expect to have the clinic open by late next year.
–Montana Graboyes

(Photo: Jeffrey M. Vinocur, Wikimedia Commons)