BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — Bakersfield Memorial Hospital has been awarded a $15 million grant by the Children’s Hospital Program of 2018 to advance comprehensive pediatric services in Kern County and improve health care access for children.

BMH said the funds will be used to create a dedicated pediatric surgical services area within Memorial Hospital which will include two dedicated operating rooms, a pre-op and recovery area, nursing stations and support areas.

The 8,000-square-foot surgical area will extend pediatric clinical and burn services at Memorial Hospital’s Lauren Small Children's Center and will be built on top of the current Pediatric Unit.

“We are extremely pleased and honored to be among a select group of community hospitals chosen to receive this grant from CHFFA,” stated Ken Keller, President and CEO of Memorial Hospital. “This funding will assist Memorial in advancing and extending our set of pediatric services within the Lauren Small Children’s Center as we invest in meeting the needs of local children.”

Construction is anticipated to begin in 2022 after the conclusion of the necessary planning and design work, along with necessary approval from the California Department of Public Health.