PICU (Pediatric Intensive Care Unit)

Our 22-bed Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) with 10 dedicated Cardiac beds provides maximum monitoring and support of pediatric patients of all ages who are at risk for, or suffering from, acute life-threatening conditions.

Our Team

The PICU is staffed by:

• Critical care intensivist physicians who are board certified in pediatrics
• Nurses with special certification in pediatrics and pediatric critical care
• Pediatric residents
• Respiratory therapists
• Pharmacists
• Social workers
• Physical and occupational therapists
• Child life specialists
• Pastoral/spiritual care specialists
• Support staff 

The multidisciplinary PICU team provides the most sophisticated medical and surgical care needed for pediatric patients from birth to young adulthood. This includes preoperative and postoperative care of patients undergoing major cardiac surgery for repair of congenital cardiac defects, complex neurosurgical procedures, severe trauma, major pediatric surgery, including transplantation, and the entire spectrum of critical medical disorders.

Board-certified intensive care physicians are in the hospital 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week. Multidisciplinary bed side rounds are held 365 days a year, and the opinions of everyone on the medical team are valued so the best care is given to the patients.

Comprehensive Specialty Care

The rapid and efficient care in the PICU is complemented by a comprehensive group of pediatric specialists in the following medical specialties:

• Cardiology and electrophysiology
• Cardiothoracic surgery
• Endocrinology
• Gastroenterology
• Genetics
• Hematology / Oncology
• Immunology
• Infectious diseases
• Nephrology
• Neurology
• Neurosurgery
• Orthopaedic surgery
• Pediatric surgery
• Plastic surgery
• Pulmonary medicine
• Transplant surgery
• Urology

Physician Rounds

Rounds occur daily at 8 a.m. and then again in the evening, usually around 9 p.m. Our goal is to help you during this difficult time. To assist us in providing effective communication between our staff and your family, we ask that you designate a primary spokesperson upon arrival to the unit. This will assist us in keeping you updated on your child’s status.

During rounds, doctors and the treatment team update the plan of care and answer any questions you may have.

Transport Services

The transportation of patients, if needed, is available by ground, helicopter and fixed wing air transportation. Arrangements for critically ill patients are coordinated by the pediatric intensivist and monitored through Driscoll Children’s Hospital Transport Dispatch Center. To learn more, visit Transport Services.