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Experienced pediatric care you and your family can trust.
Pediatrics

When your child needs hospitalization

The Salem Hospital pediatric unit cares for children experiencing a range of acute and chronic conditions. Our physicians and nurses are highly trained in the unique health care needs of infants, children and adolescents.

During your child's hospital stay, we do everything possible to make you and your child feel included, safe and comfortable. Our rooms were carefully designed to keep you close to your child while they receive care and allow for quiet time together as they heal.

Our pediatric team include specialists like care managers, dieticians, physical and occupational therapists, pharmacists and many others. We also stay in regular contact with your child’s primary care provider to ensure there are no gaps in your child’s care, from the clinic to the hospital and back. 

You and your child are also essential members of the health care team. We welcome your questions and value your input.

 

 

Nurse taking care of newborn
Salem Hospital's pediatric unit

Your child’s care will be expertly coordinated between nurses, physicians and specialists, with constant nurse supervision supported by the latest technology. Salem Hospital’s experienced and Magnet-designated nurses will guide you through the details of your child’s care around the clock.

Should your child need a specialist, consultations on-site or online will be provided, including a telemedicine consultation with OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital pediatric intensive care unit, if needed. 

Conditions we treat

  • Allergic reactions
  • Asthma with acute symptoms
  • Bronchiolitis
  • Dehydration
  • Diabetes management
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Gastroenteritis
  • General respiratory illnesses
  • General surgery
  • Infections
  • Neonatal jaundice
  • Neonatal opiate withdrawal syndrome
  • Pneumonia
  • Seizure disorders
  • Unspecified abdominal pain


Care for all ages

Salem Hospital's Pediatric unit cares for children of all ages — from infants to toddlers and school age children to young adults. We provide both inpatient and outpatient care.  

Inpatient pediatric care

Inpatient care refers to overnight or longer hospital stays that do not require a pediatric sub-specialist (such as pediatric neurology or pediatric intensive care).

Outpatient pediatric care

This includes outpatient services, such as intravenous hydration, lab draws, intramuscular medication administration and short-stay procedures. These services may be offered through a referral from your child’s doctor. Services are offered in the pediatric unit at Salem Hospital.

 

Play therapy
Play therapy is vital to healing in the hospital setting, particularly with pediatric patients. It serves as a powerful tool for emotional expression and communication, allowing children to process their experiences and feelings in a safe and supportive environment. Through play, children can explore their fears, build resilience and foster a sense of normalcy amidst the challenges of their hospitalization. The pediatric nursing team is trained in play therapy and coordinate this therapy throughout your child’s hospitalization to promote healing and a more positive hospital experience.
Nurse bringing joy to a patient
Helping a young patient
OHSU Doernbecher Clinic

Located in Building C on the Salem Hospital campus, the OHSU Doernbecher Clinic offers a full line of outpatient pediatric specialty services. Its team of providers offers high-level care for:

  • Cardiology
  • Fetal therapy
  • Developmental pediatrics
  • Gastroenterology
  • Endocrinology
  • General surgery
  • Pulmonology
  • Orthopedics
  • Urology

 

Going home

Discharge plans are thoughtfully designed to ensure a smooth transition from hospital to home, prioritizing the ongoing health and well-being of our young patients. Each child’s discharge plan is tailored to the individual needs of the child and their family. We actively engage families in this discharge process, providing them with resources and support to address any questions or concerns they may have. Our multidisciplinary team collaborates closely to ensure that all necessary arrangements are in place, including coordination with outpatient services and community resources. Our aim is to empower families and promote a safe and successful recovery at home.

 

physical therapy
Pediatric rehabilitation

Salem Health’s approach to helping children with special needs — whether physical, mental or behavioral — is to maximize the child’s ability to learn, grow and play. Our pediatric therapy area helps kids with conditions such as torticollis, brain injury, cerebral palsy and Down syndrome, improving function safely while still having fun!  

 

Learn more

Let's All Play Place

At the Let’s all Play Place therapy and community play area, people of all abilities can come together in a safe environment that welcomes everyone. The wheelchair-friendly play area enhances physical, sensory, emotional, behavioral and social skills for children and adults of all abilities — including patients of the pediatric unit and Salem Health Rehabilitation Center.  

 

Learn more

Lets Play Place aerial 600x400

Award-winning care

We’ve taken nursing to a new level: the top 10 percent nationwide! Salem Hospital is a magnet for the best and brightest nurses in the field. How do we know for sure? 

On July 22, 2025, Salem Hospital proudly earned its fourth Magnet® Designation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC)—the highest and most prestigious recognition for nursing excellence and quality patient care. This distinguished honor included eight exemplars, areas in which the organization exceeded national standards. We've proudly held this honor since 2010. 

Learn more about the prestigious Magnet® recognition program.

Visitor information

Please keep the following suggestions in mind:

  • Sick children need a lot of rest, so visitors may need to keep their stay short.
  • Visitors should be healthy and free from flu, cold or infection.
  • Adults should accompany visitors 12 years old and under.