Dignity Memorial Bakersfield
Pediatric Surgical Suites

In early 2026, Dignity's Pediatric Surgical Suites renovation added an additional 5,000 square feet to the current Lauren Small Children’s Center at Memorial Hospital.

This was a vertical expansion, building a second floor over an existing and operational emergency department.

The challenges were connecting to existing structure below and circulation paths from existing second floor, plus connecting exterior walls along three different exterior conditions and creating roof expansion joints at all locations.

The Pediatric Surgical Suites Project includes:
A pediatric pre-op surgery and post anesthesia (recovery) unit. Dedicated surgical support spaces including pediatric nurse’s station, equipment storage, clean and soiled storage, environmental services, scrub, sub sterile, general circulation areas and dedicated reception and waiting areas.

The surgery expansion project allows Memorial’s surgical teams to be specially trained to meet the unique needs of pediatric patients in Bakersfield and local community in a compassionate, child-friendly setting.