By Redaccion
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The Ventura County Medical Center (VCMC) has unveiled a state-of-the-art pediatric unit, a long-awaited milestone that aims to serve as a hub for children’s care in the region.
The 16-bed unit, which officially opened at the end of October, replaces the hospital’s previous nine-bed facility. Funded by a $15 million grant from California’s Proposition 4 bond measure passed in 2018, the new unit was showcased to community leaders and hospital staff during an open house on Wednesday.
“This has been decades in the making,” said Dr. John Fankhauser, CEO of VCMC and Santa Paula Hospital. “The vision for this project extends back three or four decades of partnerships and growth, and we’re proud to finally see it come to life.”
Meeting a Growing Need
Designed to prevent families from traveling outside Ventura County for pediatric care, the unit consolidates essential services in one location.
“They’re not 60 or 70 miles away. They’re here,” said Dr. Todd Flosi, an inpatient pediatrician. The new unit offers an array of care, supported by specialists from Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, one of VCMC’s key partners.
The demand for pediatric care locally has grown significantly in recent years. Community Memorial Hospital in Ventura closed its pediatric unit more than a year ago, forming a partnership with VCMC to address the gap. Similarly, St. John’s Regional Medical Center in Oxnard no longer operates licensed pediatric beds.
Although initial plans envisioned a 20-bed facility, Flosi noted that the 16 beds are expected to meet current demand levels.
Delays and Challenges
Originally slated for completion in March 2022, the project faced delays due to supply chain issues, compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the challenges, Fankhauser emphasized that the final product was worth the wait.
Child-Focused Features
The new pediatric unit includes both outdoor and indoor play areas designed to create a welcoming and comforting environment for children. Patient rooms feature vibrant, oversized photographs, such as an image of a surfer standing on his head, adding a playful touch.
Just steps away from the unit is the Ronald McDonald Family Room, which opened two years ago to provide a sanctuary for families. The room includes nap cubicles, quiet spaces for decompression, and other amenities for parents and caregivers.
“This setup makes a huge difference for families,” said Dr. Stuart Siegel, a retired pediatric oncologist who played a key role in establishing the family room. “Having all aspects of children’s care in one area is invaluable for both physical and emotional support.”
A Community Effort
The new pediatric unit represents a collaborative effort among hospital staff, community members, and state funding initiatives. Officials emphasized that its completion underscores the importance of investing in local healthcare infrastructure to meet the needs of Ventura County families.
“The focus here is entirely on kids,” Siegel said. “Everyone involved is dedicated to providing the best care possible, right here in our community.”
With its expanded capacity, specialized services, and family-friendly amenities, the new unit is poised to become a cornerstone of pediatric healthcare in Ventura County.
