DelVal Offers Temporary Housing For Doylestown Hospital Staff

DOYLESTOWN, PA — Delaware Valley University announced this week it will provide housing for health care workers from Doylestown Health during the coronavirus crisis.

DelVal will provide a self-contained residence hall for Doylestown Health Associates on a short-term basis. Each guest will have a private room and bathroom for their use with parking adjacent to the building.

Doylestown Hospital staff who are temporarily living at the university are doing so for the safety of family or household members at home, DelVal officials explained. "None of the Doylestown Health staff members staying at the residence halls are symptomatic or have tested positive for the coronavirus. They will not interact with the small number of essential DelVal employees or students who remain on campus."

DelVal closed residence halls last month, and is conducting its courses via remote learning for the rest of the semester due to the pandemic.

"The University and Doylestown Health have a strong relationship as community partners. The organizations are also located within walking distance of each other, which made this a natural solution to an emergent need," an announcement from the university said.

Jim Brexler, President and CEO of Doylestown Health, said the university's offer is "a great relief" for the local health care workers.

"All of our workers are essential in this pandemic. We’ve redeployed some staff throughout Doylestown Health to support the extraordinary work we are accomplishing — in the hospital, at Pine Run Health Center, and throughout the community," Brexler said. "The prospect of a safe place to stay to protect some of our staff and their families is a great relief to everyone concerned.”

Delaware Valley University President Maria Gallo said the university is proud to be able to support the local health workers.

“We have enjoyed a strong relationship with Doylestown Health and appreciate our role as a community partner for the Greater Bucks County area. We cannot thank these health professionals enough for all they are doing for our community during the pandemic.”