Continuity of Care for Children
Pediatric Services at Northridge Hospital Medical Center ensures continuity of care for pediatric patients. Our Emergency and Trauma Center is Certified for Pediatric Care, and our Pediatric Intensive Care Unit provides an extra measure of critical care medical support.
Traumatic injuries are the leading cause of death and disability in children, making immediate, life-saving medical care crucial. That’s why Northridge Hospital Medical Center is thrilled to receive a California Children’s Services (CCS) Designation. Our new Level II Richie Pediatric Trauma Center is the only facility in San Fernando Valley designated by the Los Angeles County EMS Agency for pediatric trauma.
And when your child is mildly ill, and you can't miss work - that's where Kids Care can help. It is located at the Northridge Hospital Children's Center adjacent to the hospital.
Child Life Specialists
A Child Life Specialist (CCLS) is a professional who is specially trained to help children and their families understand and manage challenging life events and stressful healthcare experiences. Our specialists are skilled in providing developmental, educational, and therapeutic interventions for children and their families.
They support growth and development while recognizing family strengths and individuality, and respecting different methods of coping. While our CCLS is assigned to the PICU and Pediatrics department she is available to cover all areas of the hospital.
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Education
Our Certified Child Life Specialist has earned a Master's degree with an educational background that includes human growth and development, education, psychology, and counseling. CCLS are required to complete an internship program in a healthcare setting, a rigorous application and a board certification exam. Plus, they are certified through a program administered by the Child Life Council.
What Does A Child Life Specialist do?
- Helps patients develop ways to cope with fear, anxiety, separation, and adjustment to the hospital experience.
- Provides consultation to the health care team regarding developmental and psychosocial issues.
- Provides preparation and individualized support before, during, and after medical procedures.
- Facilitates developmentally appropriate play, including medical play, at the bedside and in the playroom.
You Can Help!
Donations to the Child Life Program at Northridge Hospital are deeply appreciated! All items donated to the Child Life Program must be NEW! Gift cards are always a great way to donate!
Due to our limited storage space and specific patient needs, we ask groups to choose from the following items only:
- Crayons & Markers (8 & 16 pack)
- No Spill Bubbles
- Coloring books/paint-by numbers
- Barbie Dolls/small dolls
- Hot wheels/small cars
- Infant toys/rattles/mobiles (toys must be all plastic)
- Playdoh/Model Magic
- Small Lego kits/Bionicles/models
- Action figures (super heroes, Dora, Transformers, etc.)
- Beads and jewelry kits
- New Release DVD’s (English and Spanish)
How to donate
To make delivery donation arrangements please e-mail our Child Life Specialist at Beth.Welch@chw.edu or call 818-885-8500, ext 5452.
You Can Volunteer
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer with the Child Life Department and making a difference in the lives of our pediatric patients please contact Volunteer Services at 818-885-8500, ext. 2961.
A Guide to Your Child's Good Health and Well-Being.
Visit our online
Health & Wellness Library
for health information including the healthy child, childhood safety, parenting, age specific concerns, and much more. Set up a regular checkup schedule that includes a physical exam and an assessment of your child's social, psychological, and nutritional development. Take a few minutes to explore our extensive health and wellness library.
Plan ahead for your family's safety when a earthquake shakes, or for any disaster. The best way to stay safe when a disaster occurs is to be prepared.
