History, Mission and Values

Lucile Packard Children's Hospital History

Lucile Packard Children's Hospital traces its roots to the Stanford Home for Convalescent Children, which was officially established in 1919. By 1970, the Convalescent Home had moved to larger quarters and changed its name to Children's Hospital at Stanford, although it remained a separate entity from the Stanford Hospital and Clinics.
 

Lucile Salter Packard

In 1986, David and Lucile Packard donated $40 million for the construction of a new children's hospital, and in 1988, groundbreaking began. The facility was ultimately named in memory of Mrs. Lucile Packard, who died in 1987. The hospital officially merged with Stanford Health Services in January 1997.

A Place Built for Children
Built in a circular design around a central courtyard, the hospital has 27 gardens and outdoor play areas, including a spacious roof garden. It was important that there be a connection with the outdoors and nature. It's an important part of the healing process for children and their families.

In fact, almost everything about the hospital seems to be designed to accelerate this healing process. Half-moon shaped indentations are cut into the countertops at nurses' stations, so children can see those on the other side of the counter. A recreational therapy room provides a place where patients and families can do arts and crafts projects, play with toys, and interact with other children. No medical treatment ever happens here - it's a "safe zone."

In addition to creating a nurturing environment for the children who come into the hospital, LPCH also makes an effort to go out to the community it serves. Outreach services include a 38-foot mobile health van that offers immunizations and physical examinations to children in the community; participation in the Santa Clara/San Mateo SAFE KIDS Coalition; and a variety of health education classes.

Mission

To serve our communities as an internationally-recognized pediatric and obstetric hospital that:

• advances family-centered care
• fosters innovation
• translates discoveries
• educates health care providers and leaders
• and advocates on behalf of children and expectant mothers.

Values

Lucile Packard Children's Hospital CARES through:

• Collaborating to reach goals
• Advancing a family-centered approach to treatment
• Respecting our patients, their families and our co-workers
• Educating, innovating and translating discoveries in pediatrics and obstetrics
• Serving our community through outreach and advocacy