Pediatrics Unit:
Preparing for Your Hospital Stay
California Pacific has been caring for children for over a century. Each year, nearly 2,000 children are admitted to our Pediatric and Pediatric Intensive Care Units.
While inpatients, children and their families benefit from the most advanced treatment methods available and our team's expert, compassionate, family-centered care.
If Your Child is Hospitalized
Your child's care at our Medical Center will be managed by a hospitalist who works closely with your family and referring physician to determine the best course of treatment. Our hospitalists are board certified pediatricians with special skills, experience and interests in treating children who require hospitalization. They provide a constant point of contact for families and are available round-the-clock.
We realize that a hospital admission is stressful and want to make your child's stay as comfortable as possible. Our approach is based on the concept of family-centered care with the belief that the family is a child's primary source of strength and support. We encourage you to participate in your child's care and welcome your questions and suggestions.
Back to top
Preparing for Your Child's Stay
Because the thought of a hospital stay may cause fear and anxiety in children, we encourage you to talk to your child in advance of his or her visit. Explaining the reasons for your child's hospitalization in terms he or she can understand can help ease some initial fears. To stay connected to one's home and family, we encourage children to bring any of the following items that may make their stay more comfortable:
We also have a supply of books and toys for use.
We provide rooming-in accommodations for one parent. If you choose to stay with your child, please bring toiletries, clothes and other essentials. If other family members want to stay in the area, a social worker can provide information on local lodgings and help you make arrangements.
Back to top
The Pediatric Unit
California Pacific offers a 27-bed Pediatric Unit and 8-bed Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, both of which are located at our Women & Children's Center in San Francisco. These Units provide care for children ranging from birth to 21 years.
Our team is focused on providing patients and families with outstanding, individualized care. Because of our specially trained pediatricians and medical staff, patients are referred to California Pacific from throughout Northern California for treatment. California Pacific's Pediatric Units are certified by California Children's Services, which demonstrates our pediatric expertise and our highest level of care and equipment available for young children and adolescents.
In our Pediatric Unit, we have a playroom with age-appropriate toys, books, videos and activities for children, as well as a recreation room. Our Child Life staff--certified specialists trained to deal with children's reactions to their illness--help minimize stress and promote healthy growth and development during hospitalization using medical play and activities, and education.
Back to top
Our Team
While our hospitalists oversee day-to-day inpatient care, they are supported by a comprehensive Pediatric Team with extensive experience and training in pediatric aspects of their field. Pediatric Team members include:
- Pediatric subspecialty physicians (including pediatric gastroenterology, neurology, cardiology, pulmonology, etc.)
- Pediatric residents and medical students from the University Californai San Francisco (UCSF) and Dartmouth Medical School
- Pediatric registered nurses
- Psychiatrists
- Psychologists
- Pharmacists
- Respiratory, speech, physical and occupational therapists
- Social workers
- Dietitians
- Case managers
- Child life specialists
- Pastoral care
Our team works together closely to ensure that your child's needs are met. Because of our experience in caring for sick children, we can help anticipate needs and questions, but also invite you to ask us anything, at any time.
Back to top
Hospitalists
Our hospitalists work in partnership with your pediatrician while your child is hospitalized. These physicians, who are available in the Pediatric Units 24 hours a day, coordinate and oversee all inpatient care including subspecialty appointments, procedures, tests and transport. . Their expertise lies in helping hospitalized children and the systems that support them.
Upon admission, you will meet your child's hospitalist, who will act as your family's in-hospital pediatrician. You should consider the hospitalist as your liaison to our Medical Center and your resource regarding your child's health. Our hospitalists have ongoing communication with your referring pediatrician and, once your child is discharged, provide a comprehensive follow up plan for his or her care.
Back to top
Parent Feedback
The following are a few quotes of positive feedback that we have received from parents whose children have been hospitalized at California Pacific:
"We were in the Pediatric Unit around the clock with our daughter and the staff was so accommodating. The hospitalists worked together with our referring physician and helped facilitate all her care -- plus they were real advocates for her during her hospital stay."
- Susan, Napa mother
"On behalf of our family, we are indebted to the entire team at California Pacific for the tremendous care, personal attention and professionalism provided to our daughter by all. You are all a credit to your profession."
- Caroline and Michael, parents from Foster City
"I want to thank Dr. Herbsman for taking the time to ease my child's fears and to make him comfortable...my son says that he reminded him of a knight!"
- San Francisco mother
Back to top
