Heritage Snapshot 188

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 computer information services, central service and the operating room linen-processing function, the Medical Center mail service, six new surgical suites, a surgery recovery room, a large preoperative-preparation room, a new 58-bassinet neonatal intensive care unit (now licensed for 84 bassinets), 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. It read, “The New Place for Little Faces.” This event signaled the completion of the 250-bed facility, with its new main entrance.  During her keynote speech, Mrs. 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.”  The previous Tuesday evening, more than 6,000 people participated in a community night under a “Big Top.” The event introduced local residents to services offered by the Children’s Hospital. It was a fun-filled evening which featured clowns, carnival games, face painting, mimes, jugglers, animals, and refreshments. In this hospital children may wear their own clothes and play with their own toys. In addition, units have pedal-cars, wagons, tricycles, and other fun vehicles in which to roam the hallways. They also provide ongoing emotional support for their patients and can direct families to homecare resources. A little Nintendo expert challenges a chaplain. Nurses become friends. In addition to bedside nursing, they snuggle children who need comforting or hold little ones while charting at the nurses’ desk. In a support group, young cancer patients learn from each other what to expect. Teenage cancer patients sometimes tell jokes about their doctors. Pre-operative education is a prime concern. Child-life specialists operate a playroom in each unit. That is a “safe zone” where needles and medical procedures are not allowed. Sometimes they illustrate procedures with stuffed animals. In order to provide cost effective services, the Medical Center shared already existing services with the Children’s Hospital. The only new services established were those that were necessary to meet the unique needs of children. Patients moved into the five-story, 240,000 square-foot facility on Dec. 14, 1993. The first patient was a little boy recovering from heart transplant surgery.