Lauren Small Children's Center - Dignity Health - Memorial Hospital
The Lauren Small Children's Center at Memorial Hospital is the first full-service children’s program in Bakersfield and Kern County approved by California Children's Services. It offers a wide variety of pediatric health care services right here so fewer families have to travel long distances to reach children’s hospitals outside of the area. These services include:
The Robert A. Grimm Children's Pavilion for Emergency Services
A 31-bed neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) for babies born too early or who are very sick
8-bed pediatric intensive care unit (PICU)
A 35-bed pediatric unit with children’s doctors, called hospitalists, who are here 24 hours a day
Memorial Hospital also has the S.A. Camp Companies Burn Unit at the Grossman Burn Center, which offers special burn care for children, both in the hospital and for visits.
What we offer
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Diagnostic ImagingOur radiologists provide advanced imaging services, including pediatric-focused X-ray and other studies, to help diagnose injuries and medical conditions in children.
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Inpatient CareOur inpatient hospital care is for children who need care, monitoring and treatment beyond the emergency department.
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Inpatient Critical CareInpatient critical care is advanced hospital care for critically ill children who need close monitoring and life-support services.
Billing and insurance
We know every journey to health and wellness is different. Whether you need cost estimates, financial assistance, help paying bills or information about accepted insurance plans, we’re here to guide you and help make the process as simple and reassuring as possible.
Frequently asked questions
At the Lauren Small Children's Center, we offer many health care services for children right here. This means fewer families need to travel far to other children’s hospitals. This includes care for high-risk infants, intensive care, acute care, emergency care and surgery for children.
Our pediatric unit is designed to feel comfortable for children. We have murals painted by a local artist that have an outdoor theme. The unit is named after Lauren Paige Small, a local girl who inspired many during her battle with cancer.
We have many types of doctors who specialize in treating children. These include doctors for newborns (neonatologists), children's heart doctors (pediatric cardiologists) and children's kidney doctors (pediatric nephrologists). We also have general surgeons with experience in treating children.
Starting in 2026, we will have brand new pediatric surgical suites at the Lauren Small Children's Center. This means children and their families can receive special medical attention close to home, right here in Bakersfield.
The pediatric surgical suites project includes:
Two dedicated pediatric surgical suites
5,000-square-foot expansion of the current Lauren Small Children’s Center
Pediatric pre- and post-anesthesia care unit
Dedicated surgical support spaces, including nurses station, equipment storage space and environmental services space
Dedicated reception and waiting areas
Additional medical and administrative support staff
A Child Life Specialist helps children and their families feel calm and comfortable while in the hospital. They help young patients understand and cope with medical experiences and prepare for procedures.
Yes, we typically send a summary of your child’s visit to their pediatrician or referring doctor. This helps to ensure their doctor is aware of your visit and any treatment, which is important for their ongoing care.
You can make a difference in a child’s life by:
- Donating your time: Volunteer your skills and compassion to directly assist our patients and staff. Please call (661) 840-5883 ext. 4454 for more information on how you can get involved.
- Making a monetary donation: Financial contributions are vital for funding specialized medical equipment, supporting patient programs and advancing innovative research. Visit Bakersfield Memorial Hospital Foundation to donate monetary gifts or call (661) 840-5883, Ext. 4641.
- Donating toys and supplies: We welcome donations of new, unwrapped toys, books, art supplies and comfort items to help brighten a child's stay and provide therapeutic activities.
Before your visit
To confirm that your insurance plan is accepted at our clinic, please call us directly. Our caring team is ready to assist you.
Transfer your medical records so your new provider has your health history. Call your prior provider or request a release of information form.
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