St. Joseph’s Medical Center Unveils $17 Million Expansion of San Joaquin County’s Only Dedicated Pediatric Unit

[STOCKTON, California] – March 10, 2026 – Dignity Health St. Joseph’s Medical Center, proudly unveils the expansion and full renovation of its pediatric unit—marking a significant milestone for the community as the only dedicated pediatric unit in San Joaquin County. 

The newly renovated Antone E. & Marie F. Raymus Foundation Pediatric Unit now offers 18 pediatric beds, an increase from the original 13, including eight double rooms, two private isolation rooms, and an interactive playroom, all designed specifically for children and their families.

“With the region’s sole dedicated pediatric unit now in our community, children can access specialized care close to home,” states David Ziolkowski, President & CEO of St. Joseph’s Medical Center. “This not only benefits our young patients but also provides crucial emotional and financial support for their families, allowing them to stay together during treatment.”

Designed for Children and Families

Funded by a generous grant and dedicated donors, the 7,000-square-foot pediatric unit significantly enhances our capacity for complex pediatric care, thanks to substantial clinical and infrastructure upgrades. It features new patient rooms and pediatric beds, advanced HVAC systems for optimal air quality, increased medical air capacity, and all-new, state-of-the-art telemetry monitoring. These critical improvements ensure the highest level of safety and support for our young patients. 

Our new pediatric unit delivers exceptional care, staffed by a highly qualified team that includes board-certified pediatric specialists in hospitalist medicine and cardiology, ensuring comprehensive care for a wide range of complex conditions. Additionally, our nursing staff comprises highly skilled Certified Pediatric Nurses dedicated to upholding the highest standards of medical knowledge and patient care.

“At Dignity Health, our mission is to deliver compassionate, high-quality care where it’s needed most,” said Dr. Cristina Funghi, Pediatric Hospitalist and Chair of Pediatrics Department, St. Joseph’s Medical Center. “This expansion is a testament to that commitment, enabling us to provide exceptional, specialized pediatric care right here in our community. With state-of-the-art diagnostic tools and enhanced monitoring like our new telemetry system, we are ensuring children receive the most vigilant and precise care possible, all within a healing environment designed for their well-being, comfort, and family.”

Beyond these advanced clinical capabilities, the unit offers a healing environment designed for comfort and family. Featuring colorful, child-friendly décor, a brand-new interactive playroom, with plenty of games and toys, it aims to help children feel more at ease during their hospital stay. Additionally, patient rooms include dedicated space for parents or family members to stay overnight, with cribs, sleep chairs, and sleep beds to ensure families can remain close to their child throughout their care.

Our highly specialized unit offers a comprehensive range of pediatric services, including:

• Pediatric Inpatient Acute Care
• Pediatric Surgical Specialties
• Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)
• High-Risk Infant Follow-Up Program

Supporting a Growing Community

As San Joaquin County continues to grow, this expanded pediatric unit positions  St. Joseph’s Medical Center to meet the evolving healthcare needs of its youngest patients and their families for generations to come.

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About Dignity Health California 

Dignity Health California is a nonprofit network of over 9000 physicians, more than 35,000 employees, 29 acute care hospitals, and 200-plus care-centers, including community hospitals, urgent care, surgery and imaging centers, home health, and primary care clinics. Dignity Health California provides award-winning care to communities in five primary markets across the state: North State, Sacramento, Central Valley, Central Coast, and Southern California. 

Dignity Health is a member of CommonSpirit Health, one of the nation’s largest nonprofit Catholic healthcare organizations, dedicated to providing compassionate, high-quality, and affordable patient-centered care with special attention to the poor and underserved. Learn more at DignityHealth.org and CommonSpirit.org.