Mary Bridge Children's Hospital & Health Center was established in 1955 because of the perseverance of the dedicated women of the Tacoma Orthopedic Association. These women thought that there was a need for a specialized health care center in Tacoma to serve the children of southwest Washington. Dr. Albert W. Bridge, a pioneer physician who practiced in Tacoma and Eatonville provided the funds for this hospital that was named for his mother. Today, this health center is the only hospital in southwest Washington dedicated to caring for the special needs of children. From diabetes to cancer care, from asthma treatment to open-heart surgery, Mary Bridge Children's Hospital & Health Center offers the most specialized and advanced pediatric care, facilities and equipment. The family-centered care philosophy of this hospital is fundamental in order to provide services and accommodations in a place where kids can get better quicker.
Whenever a child is ill, it affects the family, this is something that Mary Bridge Children's Hospital & Health Center acknowledges and that is why family-centered care is as important to the hospital as advanced pediatric medicine. At Mary Bridge Children's Hospital & Health Center, child-friendly art and decoration helps children feel at home, a homework computer workstation helps kids avoid falling behind in school, Family Resources Center and pediatric social workers help parents connect with a variety of helpful services, Child Life Specialists are available to provide pre-operative education and tour, emotional support and play therapy, out-of-town families can stay in nearby apartments funded through donor contributions, families are encouraged to take part in their child's care, including decisions about treatment and parents are welcome 24-hours a day.