About Whittier Hospital Sub-Acute Pediatrics Unit


Our Treatment Team


Our treatment team is an interdisciplinary group of health care professionals specially trained to meet the unique care needs of our young patients. Each carries the appropriate licenses or credentials for their respective positions.

The Children's Center treatment team is under the direction of our Medical Director who is board certified in the specialties of pediatrics and critical care. Other team members include nurses, social workers, respiratory therapists, physical and occupational therapists, speech and language pathologists, special education teachers, child life specialists, pharmacists and dietitians.

These professionals work together to create individualized health care plans to address each child's specific problems and requirements. They meet regularly to review the treatment plan and to evaluate each child's progress, making adjustments as needed.

Our Facility


Our patient environment is designed for children, with brightly decorated rooms, well-equipped group spaces and a pleasant home-like setting. Colorful artwork, a private outdoor play courtyard and other environmental stimulation encourage our patients to participate in activities to the extent they are able.

Family Support Network

Family involvement is an integral part of each patient's care and treatment-planning process, and a key to maximizing their child's potential for recovery.

Family members are educated about the injury or disease process, and they participate in conferences with the treatment team to keep abreast of their child's functional status and progress. The team also helps support family members by providing a sympathetic, supportive environment for them to share their feelings and experiences.

Assessment and Admission

To determine a child's need for the sub-acute level of care provided through our Children's Center for Specialized Care, a representative from our treatment team will visit the child in the hospital to review diagnostic test results, the patient's history and physical status. There is no charge for this evaluation.

If the child is admitted, a supplemental assessment by the entire treatment team will be used as the basis for developing the patient's individualized goals and treatment plan.

Referral Procedures and Insurance

Referrals to our program may be made by calling our Case Manager at (562) 907-1621. Our no-cost evaluation should be initiated within 24 hours of the referral.

The Whittier Hospital Medical Center's Children's Center for Specialized Care is certified by Medi-Cal, and care is covered by most other public and private insurance plans.