Since 1925 when the Jared Sydney Torrance Memorial Hospital first opened its doors, the Labor & Delivery department has been an integral part of the hospital’s day-to-day operations and a key service area to the community. On May 12, 1935, in recognition of its 10th anniversary, the hospital staff was reported to have delivered 1,701 babies (including 18 pairs of twins). In the last decade, Torrance Memorial has delivered 30,057 babies and 574 pairs of multiples (twins and triplets).
Following are a few highlights from our history:
• 1925 – The first baby, a boy, was born to Mr. and Mrs. Frost at Torrance Memorial Hospital on May 23. Lighting in the nursery was from the floor to protect the babies' eyes.
• 1986 – Torrance Memorial Intensive Care Newborn Nursery was completed. The newly refurbished unit consisted of 12 licensed beds for newborn infants requiring special medical care.
• 2005 – Phase 1 of the new Family Birth Center was completed.
• 2005 – As the hospital grew in capacity, the need for increased numbers of experienced registered nurses (RNs) increased, and RN shortages in specialty areas increased across the country. Torrance Memorial began an RN Residency Program to train and keep our nurses onboard.
• 2011 – Laborist program began and ensured 24/7 physician coverage for Labor & Delivery.
• 2016 – A $41 million Hunt Tower renovation included Mother Baby which completed with 25 refurbished, large, private rooms for mom, baby and significant others.
• 2018 – A new neonatal intensive care (NICU) unit opened with 25 new private rooms for critically ill neonates, with space for parents to stay with their infant.
• 2018 – New beach-themed pediatrics wing opened with 21 brand new private rooms, eight adolescent rooms and 13 pediatric rooms, with space for parents to stay over.
• 2018 – Torrance Memorial is designated a Baby Friendly Hospital from World Health Organization/UNICEF.
• 2020 – Torrance Memorial is designated as the first and only hospital in L.A. County to be certified as a Safe Sleep Hospital, demonstrating its ability to offer mothers the information, skills and support to successfully initiate bonding and breastfeeding
