Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center

Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center dates back to 1888 when indigent patients from the Los Angeles County Hospital were relocated to what was then known as the Los Angeles County Poor Farm.

Since then it has evolved into one nations best rehabilitation hospitals and recognized as an international leader in rehabilitation medicine and clinical research.

Since 1989, the hospital has been consistently ranked as one of “America’s Best Hospitals” in Rehabilitation by U.S. News and World Report. As one of the largest rehabilitation hospitals in the United States, Rancho Los Amigos cares for approximately 4,000 inpatients each year, and services 71,000 outpatient visits each year.

  • 1951 Rancho was designated as a respiratory center for polio patients.
  • 1955 – Dr. Vernon Nickel developed the halo vest a device which is still in use to immobilize the cervical spine following severe neck injury or certain types of surgery.
  • 1970’s The Rancho Los Amigos Scale is developed to determine the cognitive level in brain-injured patients and is still widely used
  • 1980’s – Drs. Jacquelin Perry and Robert Waters contributed to advances in pathokinesiology and treatment for spinal cord injuries

Rancho’s commitment to breaking new ground continued with other advances in rehabilitation of orthopedic and neurologic disorders. Rancho established the first robotic program for children with Cerebral Palsy on the West Coast. The hospital is also part of a national study on the impact of robotic therapy using a shoulder robot.

With the current $418 Million renovation Rancho is undergoing called Rancho Rising 2020 our facility will mirror the excellence in the remarkable staff, rehabilitation and innovation. For more information visit the Rancho website at www.rancho.org.

Melanie Sarino, MD | Pediatric Department

Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center

Melanie Sarino, MD

“For decades, Las Floristas has provided selfless commitment and dedication to our pediatric population. Through their kindness and generosity, Las Floristas has supported our disabled children in so many ways – restoring function, improving quality of life , building self-esteem, and fulfilling dreams. The programs that they fund have positively impacted the lives of many children and their families. Las Floristas is truly the guardian angel of Rancho Pediatrics Department.”

Don Knabe | Los Angeles County Supervisor

Don Knabe

“For decades, the women of Las Floristas have had an incredible impact on the patients at Rancho Los Amigos. Their dedication and hard work have provided new opportunities and experiences that the young patients at Rancho would not receive without their incredible financial support. They show our children and patients that they can do anything they set their minds to and, despite their physical challenges, lead full and independent lives. We would not be where we are today at Rancho without the Las Floristas passionate support of our Rancho patients.”

Press Release

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