Pioneering Pediatrics

Pioneering Pediatrics. Children's Hospital of Philadelphia leads the way. , Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) opened its doors in 1855, becoming the first pediatric hospital in North America. CHOP relocated to a larger building on Bainbridge Street in 1916. There children continued to receive exceptional care in a progressive and innovative environment., 1913 , Edward S. Sayers, president of the CHOP Board of Managers, places the cornerstone for the Bainbridge Street hospital., 1928 , The Bainbridge Street facility expanded from 70 beds in 1916 to 117 to meet the growing demand for quality pediatric care in Philadelphia., Enlightened care , CHOP created a comforting atmosphere for its young patients, offering play activities, art and music therapy, and even a rooftop garden where children could enjoy fresh air and sunlight. The Bainbridge facility remained open until 1974, when CHOP moved to its main campus across the Schuylkill River from this site., [Caption:] , The rooftop garden served as an important component of the patient-care experience. Here, children are engaged in occupational therapy on the rooftop garden.