by Richard Schaefer on 2013-12-23
In 1966, the 186-bed Loma Linda Sanitarium and Hospital on the hill had an eight-bed pediatric unit, four pediatricians and one pediatric resident. In 1967, following the consolidation of the School of Medicine in Loma Linda, a new, 15-bed pediatric unit opened on the fifth floor of the new Loma Linda University Hospital (its name at that time.)
In 1975, John Mace, M.D., chair of the Department of Pediatrics in the School of Medicine, began recruiting a full spectrum of pediatric specialists and sub-specialists to provide the comprehensive care characteristic of a children’s hospital. In the meantime, the population of the Inland Empire expanded so fast that the need for children’s services expanded enormously. As the pediatrician staff and capabilities increased, so did the numbers of pediatric patients.
Assistant Professor of Pediatrics B. Lyn Behrens, MBBS, future dean of the School of Medicine and future president of Loma Linda University, was intimately involved with this growth. According to Mace, “She always was fiscally sound, so well-organized, extremely competent and an easy-to-work-with person.” The department’s goal was to add a new sub-specialty every year, if possible. As soon as new faculty arrived they immediately became busy. Other physicians were recruited just to help keep up with the demand.
The dream of someday building a dedicated children’s hospital began in August 1976. In the late 1970s, the Medical Center added an eight-bed pediatric intensive care unit. By 1982, pediatric beds numbered 75; already the size of some children’s hospitals.
Over the years, funding for the health of America’s children has continued to decline. Facing the need for a dramatic improvement in children’s health, both locally and nationally, Loma Linda University Medical Center administration, under the leadership of David B. Hinshaw, Sr., M.D., focused on increasing its commitment to children. According to an official statement of purpose, “Loma Linda decided to devote the full spectrum of its institutional resources toward the establishment of a children’s hospital and to become an international advocate for children’s healthcare.” While the Children’s Hospital was under construction, Hinshaw arranged for the new structure to add a fifth floor.
Today, Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital is the only one of its kind serving 1.3 million children living in San Bernardino, Riverside, Inyo and Mono counties; more than one-fourth of California. Licensed by the American College of Surgeons as the only Level 1 Pediatric Trauma Center, it transports more than 1,500 critically ill or injured children from surrounding hospitals each year.
On Dec. 19, 1988, during grand opening ceremonies for the South Wing (Phase One), Medical Center President Hinshaw formally announced plans for a new 220-bed children’s hospital.
“We are staking a claim as a children’s hospital," he said. "We are a children’s hospital from this day forward.”
Administrators designed the Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital (LLUCH) to be as child-friendly as possible. Staff members encourage parents to visit at any time, day or night. In the process of doubling its size, in 1989 LLUMC added the $43 million, seven-story, 238,000-square-foot, South Wing Phase I. It provided facilities for six new surgical suites, a surgery recovery room, a large preoperative-preparation room, a new 58, eight-bassinet neonatal intensive care unit (now licensed for 84), a new cardiac intensive care unit and a pediatric intensive care unit.
The project included two emergency 900-kilowatt diesel generators that could provide enough electricity to service 40 to 50 homes. An unusual feature of the project was the largest use of glass fiber-reinforced concrete exterior building panels in California hospital history. To enclose the building, contractors used 92,000 square feet of this relatively new material. The vertical fins and horizontal projections at the windows provide solar shade. Inside, solar sensors automatically and periodically lower window shades as the sun descends in the west.
In July 1992, the National Association of Children’s Hospitals and Related Institutions, Inc., accepted the Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital as a member hospital.
At a time in the nation’s history when hundreds of hospitals were having serious financial difficulties, merging and even going out of existence, building such a facility underscored Loma Linda’s commitment to and compassion for children. On Nov. 10, 1993, Gayle Wilson, first lady of the state of California, participated in the dedication ceremony of the Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital.
Participants unveiled a sign posted over the doorway stating, “The New Place for Little Faces.” This event signaled the completion of the 250-bed facility, with its new main entrance. The Children’s Hospital is now celebrating its 20th anniversary. During her keynote speech, Wilson stated, “I am one that does believe that we need a special place for children to be treated. And here at this children’s hospital, from the NICU to the infant heart transplant program to the proton beam cancer treatments, Loma Linda will offer the most advanced services available in this four-county area. The need is great — but it is the people who are here and others who have had the vision to make sure this need is responded to. I’m here today to congratulate you… This shows real vision and foresight from the caring people of this community.”