St. Mary Pediatric Unit to Transition Patients to Miller Children’s Hospital

Dignity Health- St. Mary Medical Center, a leading healthcare provider in Long Beach, has announced the closure of its Pediatric Unit effective July 1. This decision comes after careful consideration and evaluation of patient volumes and community needs for pediatric services.

“At St. Mary Medical Center, prioritizing safe, exceptional care guides every decision we make. With this in mind, we have made the difficult decision to close our pediatric unit,” states Carolyn Caldwell, president and CEO of St. Mary Medical Center.

Over the years, St. Mary Medical Center has observed a significant shift in the landscape of pediatric healthcare, with more families seeking specialized children’s hospitals or urgent care centers for their children’s medical needs. Despite efforts to maintain adequate patient volumes and staffing levels, the Pediatric Unit faced challenges.

To ensure a seamless transition for affected patients and families, St. Mary Medical Center has partnered once again with Miller Children’s Hospital, located just two miles away. St. Mary and Miller Children’s has established a strong and successful working relationship over the years to care for our youngest patients.

“Miller Children’s Hospital is honored to partner with St. Mary Medical Center during this transitional period,” shares Blair Kent, CEO, Miller Children’s Hospital and Long Beach Medical Center. “Our commitment to providing exceptional pediatric care remains steadfast, and we are dedicated to ensuring a seamless experience for patients and families transitioning from St. Mary Medical Center. Together, we look forward to continuing to serve the Long Beach community with compassion and excellence.”

While the pediatric unit will close, St. Mary will continue to provide care to children in its Emergency Department, having recently been redesignated as an Emergency Department Approved for Pediatrics. Additionally, we will continue to provide Women’s services which include labor and delivery, and our Level III NICU.

Employees directly impacted by the closure have been notified, and St. Mary Medical Center is committed to supporting them through the transition process.

“While the closure of our pediatric unit is underway, St. Mary is focusing on expanding and enhancing our NeuroScience service line. We are constructing a new biplane suite, which will significantly enhance our ability to deliver advanced stroke care,” added Carolyn Caldwell.

St. Mary Medical Center has been serving the Long Beach community for over a century and remains committed to providing high-quality, safe care for decades to come.