Services & Support for Parents & Children

Pediatric Services

Torrance Memorial provides specialized care for children in its Emergency and Pediatric inpatient departments and through the sick child care program, Torrance Loves Children. In addition, telephone assistance is available for parents who need assistance during the hours the pediatricians' offices are closed.

Emergency Care

Torrance Memorial Medical Center Emergency Department is designated by the Los Angeles Department of Health Services as an Emergency Department Approved for Pediatrics (EDAP). Emergency staff are specially trained in the needs of children and medical equipment is available that is "right-sized" for children. Care is available at any hour, day or night, for infants and children needing emergent care.

The paramedic base station located within the Emergency department serves both the South Bay and Catalina Island.

Inpatient Pediatric Care

The pediatric care unit at Torrance Memorial has 20 beds dedicated to the specialty care of infants and children to age 13. Additional beds are available for adolescents. The nursing team is skilled in the care of children and will provide a tour of the pediatric area for the child and parents prior to an elective hospitalization. A child life specialist is on the pediatric care team and provides appropriate activities and emotional support to children during their hospital stay.

Pediatric Telephone Assistance

Experienced pediatric nurses are available to assist parents by telephone during hours the child's doctors' offices are closed. Nurses advise parents on providing care at home; when it's time to bring the child to the hospital for Emergency department care; and when to contact the child's Pediatrician. This service is available on evenings, weekends and holidays. The phone number is provided to parents by the child's doctor's office.

Sick Child Care Program -- Torrance Loves Children

Torrance Loves Children began in 1985 to provide care to mildly ill children who cannot attend school or day care. This service is especially helpful to parents who find it difficult to stay home from work to care for a mildly ill child. Parents can feel secure knowing while their child recuperates at Torrance Loves Children that the child is being cared for by a trained staff member who is supervised by a pediatric nurse. The program is licensed by Los Angeles County's Department of Social Services. Torrance Loves Children is available Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 11:30 p.m., and the fee is $4.00 an hour. For information or to receive a preregistration form, call (310) 517-4642.