The Lucile Salter Packard Hospital, commonly referred to as Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Stanford, is a world-renowned pediatric and obstetric hospital located in Palo Alto, California. It is a part of the Stanford University Health system and is situated on the campus of Stanford University. The hospital was established in 1991 through a generous donation from Lucile Salter Packard, the wife of Hewlett-Packard co-founder David Packard. The hospital's mission is to provide innovative and compassionate care to children and expectant mothers, while also advancing the field of pediatric medicine through research and education.
History and Development
The concept of a children’s hospital at Stanford University dates back to the 1960s, but it wasn’t until the 1980s that the plans began to take shape. Lucile Packard’s donation of $40 million in 1986 laid the foundation for the hospital’s construction. The hospital was designed to provide a comprehensive range of pediatric services, from routine check-ups to complex surgeries and treatments. Since its opening in 1991, the hospital has undergone several expansions and renovations, including the addition of a new pediatric emergency department and a neonatal intensive care unit.
Pediatric Care and Services
Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford offers a wide range of pediatric services, including general pediatrics, pediatric surgery, neurology, cardiology, and oncology. The hospital is also a major referral center for children with complex medical conditions, such as congenital heart defects, cerebral palsy, and spinal cord injuries. The hospital’s pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) and pediatric cardiovascular intensive care unit (PCICU) provide critical care to children with life-threatening illnesses and injuries. The hospital is also a leader in the field of fetal medicine, offering advanced prenatal diagnosis and treatment options for expectant mothers.
| Department | Services Offered |
|---|---|
| Pediatric Surgery | General surgery, neurosurgery, cardiac surgery, orthopedic surgery |
| Pediatric Neurology | Diagnosis and treatment of neurological disorders, including epilepsy, cerebral palsy, and muscular dystrophy |
| Pediatric Cardiology | Diagnosis and treatment of heart defects, including congenital heart defects and arrhythmias |
Research and Education
Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford is a major center for pediatric research, with a focus on advancing the understanding and treatment of childhood diseases. The hospital’s research program is affiliated with the Stanford University School of Medicine and includes a range of studies on topics such as pediatric cancer, genetic disorders, and infectious diseases. The hospital also offers a range of educational programs for healthcare professionals, including residency and fellowship programs in pediatric medicine and surgery.
Clinical Trials and Studies
The hospital is currently conducting a number of clinical trials and studies on pediatric diseases and conditions, including a study on the use of gene therapy to treat severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) and a trial of a new medication for the treatment of pediatric leukemia. The hospital’s research program is supported by funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and other organizations, and has led to numerous breakthroughs in the field of pediatric medicine.
- The hospital's pediatric cancer program is one of the largest and most comprehensive in the country, with a team of specialists who provide diagnosis, treatment, and support to children with cancer.
- The hospital's fetal medicine program offers advanced prenatal diagnosis and treatment options for expectant mothers, including fetal surgery and gene therapy.
- The hospital's pediatric surgery program is one of the busiest in the country, with a team of surgeons who perform a wide range of procedures, from routine appendectomies to complex heart surgeries.
What types of pediatric services are offered at Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford?
+Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford offers a wide range of pediatric services, including general pediatrics, pediatric surgery, neurology, cardiology, and oncology. The hospital is also a major referral center for children with complex medical conditions, such as congenital heart defects, cerebral palsy, and spinal cord injuries.
What is the hospital’s approach to family-centered care?
+The hospital’s approach to family-centered care recognizes the importance of supporting the emotional and psychological well-being of patients and their families during a hospital stay. This approach is reflected in the hospital’s design and amenities, including private patient rooms, play areas, and a family resource center.
