History of Doylestown Health

Our history

Our roots date back to 1895, when 14 women founded the Village Improvement Association—nationally recognized as the only women’s club to own and operate a community hospital. Guided by a mission to improve the health and welfare of Bucks County residents, the VIA laid the groundwork for public health initiatives rooted in familiarity, accessibility, and family.

Today, that initiative has grown into Penn Medicine Doylestown Health. We are a regional leader serving southeastern Pennsylvania and central New Jersey with nationally recognized health services rooted in a culture of compassion and personalized care.

1920s to 1940s: Early history of Doylestown Health

As the 1918 flu pandemic swept across the globe, the VIA partnered with local medical professionals and Doylestown community members to establish Doylestown Emergency Hospital, the first emergency and maternity hospital in the region.

• 1916: The first Visiting Nurse is employed for the Doylestown community.
• 1923: Doylestown Emergency Hospital, an eight-bed facility, opens its doors at Pine and Oakland streets.
• 1939: Doylestown Emergency Hospital moves to a new location at Belmont and Spruce streets as the need for care increases.

1950s to early 2000s: Growing to expand community care

A rising demand for care in the mid-1900s drove expansion and relocation.

• 1951: Doylestown Emergency Hospital expands from a 21-bed to 54-bed facility.
• 1975: The system dedicates Doylestown Hospital as a 165-bed facility on West State Street.
• 2001: The Village Improvement Association adds the Health and Wellness Center in Warrington.

Early 2000s to today: Bringing quality health care close to home

The early 2000s marked a period of evolution for Doylestown Hospital. Today, as part of Penn Medicine, we are a community teaching hospital with 245 beds and more than 600 providers spanning 50 specialties.

• 2015: Doylestown Hospital changes its name to Doylestown Health, representing integrated outpatient, inpatient, wellness, and community services.
• 2021: The system launches its first post-graduate pharmacy residency program.
• 2023: Doylestown Health introduces a family medicine residency program.
• 2023: Doylestown Health celebrates 100 years of service.
• 2024: The system launches a one-year transitional first residency program.
• 2025: Doylestown Health becomes part of the University of Pennsylvania Health System.