Wellspan Health’s On-site Childcare Center

Challenges

Access, Worker Issues

Location

Pennsylvania

Stakeholders

Businesses

Beneficiaries

Children, Parents

Overview

Wellspan Health Evangelical Community Hospital partnered with Patch Caregiving to offer an on-site flexible childcare center for employees.

Key Impact Metrics

20
families served in first four months
70
parental absences avoided in first four months
70%
of program days included childcare services

Problem

Hospital staff work nonstandard hours, making traditional daycare and before/after-school care impractical. This can lead to absenteeism and diminished hospital operations, staff morale, and patient care. Wellspan Evangelical Community Hospital realized this challenge during listening sessions hosted by the company’s President/CEO. Moreover, ECH’s workforce is 80% female, and an estimated 40% of its workforce are parents of young children.

Solution

Wellspan contracted Patch Caregiving to open a childcare space in its hospital grounds. The drop-in center operates 6am–6pm to cover most shifts. Patch Caregiving provides caregivers and onboards children (ages two to 12) by the day, hour, or multi-day as needed. Wellspan subsidizes the service, so employees pay minimal co-pays based on their hourly salary. Regular updates and surveys were used to adapt schedules.

Results

Beneficiary Impact
20 families served
Employee Impact
70 absences avoided
Financial Results
~$52,920/year in savings from avoided employee absences

Replication Tips

Flexible drop-in model: Operate on a per-need basis rather than full enrollment to maximize use for all shift workers.
Utilize vacant spaces: Scan and utilize on-site vacant spaces for a childcare center rather than launch off-premises, in order to facilitate better access of use.
Communicate widely: Ensure staff are aware of the service via orientations, newsletters, and leadership endorsement.