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Pediatric Intensive Care Unit
The Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) at UCSF Children's Hospital provides extraordinary high-level care for children who require continuous monitoring.
Our doctors and nurses are among the world's most experienced in treating pediatric disease and have been pioneers in developing special techniques for critically ill children. In addition to the pediatricians with special training in your child's particular condition, the care team also includes doctors called intensivists, who have additional training in caring for very sick children. UCSF Children's Hospital has specialists in more than 50 pediatric specialties. We are committed to excellent care and family participation as well as to research to improve the care we provide.
Pediatric intensive care services at UCSF Children's Hospital actually comprise three different programs.
Pediatric Intensive Care Unit -- Located on the sixth floor, this unit includes 14 beds for infants and children up 18 years of age suffering from a variety of conditions or recovering from surgery. Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Unit -- This unit for children with heart disorders or recovering from heart surgery is located on the seventh floor. Intensive Care Nursery -- Located on the 15th floor, this nursery provides specialized care for infants born with severe problems.
Altogether, more than 1,000 children a year are admitted into the intensive care units at UCSF Children's Hospital. About half are children - including newborns - who are already our patients. The remainder arrives via ambulance, helicopter and airplane from throughout the western United States. For information on transport options, refer to the Pediatric Transport Service.
Family Participation
The care we provide is family-centered, meaning our health professionals work to provide care that revolves around your family. While your child is in the PICU, we encourage you to spend as much time as possible with your child.
When you arrive at the unit, our staff at the front desk will direct you to your child. Sometimes it's necessary to move children to different areas so please check in at the front desk.
Visiting
Parents may visit at any time. However, you may be asked to leave the PICU if there's an emergency or a need to perform a special procedure.
Sisters and brothers may visit after being screened by a PICU staff member. Please closely supervise your children at all times. Children under the age of 12 who are not siblings are not allowed in the PICU.
Family members and friends may visit if accompanied by a patient's parent. When a parent can't visit for an extended period, arrangements can be made to allow relatives or friends to visit unaccompanied by a parent. However, you must leave written permission with the unit service coordinator. Please keep in mind that we may need to limit the number of visitors to maintain a calm and safe environment.
For visitors, we have a waiting room with a TV. There also is a kitchen equipped with a microwave oven, refrigerator, freezer and cabinets that you may use if you wish to bring food to the hospital. Please ask your nurse if you have questions.
Visitors are not allowed if they have a cold, flu or fever or if they were recently exposed to a contagious disease.
Security
Children wear identification bands at all times. Medical staff members caring for your child also must wear UCSF identification badges.
Support Services
The following services are available to ensure that parents and family members are fully informed and to help with emotional, financial and family concerns.
Chaplain Service -- Spiritual care can be a source of comfort. Chaplains are available at all times. A CICU staff member can help you contact this service or you may call (415) 353-1941 or the on-call chaplain at (415) 719-2602 after regular business hours. Child Life Department -- The Child Life Department staff works with each family to ensure that their needs are being met while they are cared for at UCSF Children's Hospital. Child life specialists are available to help you prepare your child for medical treatments and procedures. We use teaching tools, special dolls and medical equipment to explain procedures to you and your child. We also help determine your child's level of understanding, including any misconceptions, and can help your child develop coping strategies like imagery, distraction and relaxation to reduce anxiety. Social Workers -- All families are contacted by a social worker who will answer questions, help solve family-related problems, such as temporary housing and financial concerns, and provide emotional support.
More Information
During a child's stay in the PICU, parents may call (415) 353-1352 to speak with a childs nurse or doctor.
Our pediatric critical care specialists — or intensivists — include:
Doctors who would like to transfer a patient to the PCICU should call the Pediatric Hotline at (877) UC-CHILD or (877) 822-4453.
For help finding a doctor, please contact our Physician Referral Service.
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