The health care needs of children are very different from those of adults. Torrance Memorial Medical Center offers a full range of pediatric services for our littlest patients. Our dedicated unit offers 20 pediatric beds, a child-friendly environment and rooms equipped with TVs, monitors and overnight accommodations for parents. Play-stations are also available upon request. The unit features a play area managed by our Child Life Specialist, who also oversees occupational activities and distraction therapy in the treatment room. In addition, our Child Life Specialist provides pre-operative education for kids. A pediatric intensivist and/or pediatric hospitalist are available around the clock and work closely with registered nurses and the Child Life Specialist in caring for kids.
Nine additional beds are dedicated to adolescent patients. The Medical Stabilization Eating Disorder Program is a specialized approach to treating children with eating disorders. It stabilizes the medical condition of pediatric patients before they are transferred to outpatient treatment. One of only two of its kind in Los Angeles County, the program is directed by a physician specializing in adolescent medicine and utilizes a multi-disciplinary approach. Team members include a psychologist, psychiatrist, nutritionist and more.
Torrance Memorial is also only one of three burn centers in Los Angeles County who care for critically burned children, many of whom are on respirators. The Burn Center's physical therapist, occupational therapist and social worker attend to these patients on a daily basis to meet the needs of the child and family. They work in conjunction with the hospital's Child Life Specialist. Staff members in the Burn Center not only provide medical care, but burn prevention education for parents and family members.