Bakersfield Memorial Hospital Breaks Ground on New Pediatric Surgical Suites Project

More than $23 million to be invested in expansion project of the Lauren Small Children’s Center at Memorial

Bakersfield, CA - August 25, 2023 - Dignity Health - Memorial Hospital held a groundbreaking event this morning to kick off the building phase of the new Pediatric Surgical Suites Project at Memorial’s Lauren Small Children’s Center. The event included speakers, display renderings of the project, and announcements honoring those whose generosity has made it possible for Memorial to build on its legacy of delivering exceptional pediatric health care services to Bakersfield and its surrounding communities. 

“We are honored to expand our pediatric services to our local patients and provide them with the surgical services they need right here at home. This project wouldn’t be possible without the generosity of our amazing donors. We are so grateful for their support,” said Ken Keller, President and CEO of Memorial Hospital. 

Funding for this project was made possible through the administration of a $15 million grant from the Children’s Hospital Program of 2018. These funds are dedicated to advance comprehensive pediatric services in Kern County and expand health care access for children who are eligible for governmental health insurance programs and those who fall within underserved populations. An additional $2.6 million was raised through our donors and community partners.  The total cost of the project is estimated at $23 million. 

The Pediatric Surgical Suite Project includes:

• Two dedicated pediatric surgical suites 
• 5,000 in additional square feet to the current Lauren Small Children’s Center
• Pediatric pre and post anesthesia care unit
• Dedicated surgical support spaces: nurses station, equipment storage, environmental services
• Dedicated reception and waiting areas
• Recruitment of two resident pediatric surgeons 
• Additional medical and administrative support staff

To learn more about Pediatric Services at Memorial Hospital, visit dignityhealth.org/bakersfield/pediatrics. 

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About Memorial Hospital

Bakersfield Memorial Hospital is a 385 bed acute care medical center offering a full range of services including the Sarvanand Heart and Brain Center, Grossman Burn Center at Memorial Hospital, expanded maternity and family care, the Lauren Small Children’s Center, orthopedic services, wound care center, 24-hour emergency care and general/outpatient surgery. Memorial Hospital is a Children’s Miracle Network Hospital and is home to the Bakersfield Ronald McDonald House. Memorial Hospital is a member of Dignity Health and is a trusted community partner, serving residents of Bakersfield and Kern County with quality, compassionate care since 1956. Learn more at dignityhealth.org/bakersfieldmemorial.