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Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU)
In the Pediatric Critical Care Unit at OSF HealthCare Children’s Hospital of Illinois, your child will receive expert, family-centered care. As a Level 1 Trauma Center, we’re equipped to handle the most critical cases, from severe injuries to life-threatening illnesses to complex care after surgery.
With 32 total beds, the unit is divided into a pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) and a pediatric intermediate care unit (PIC).
What is PICU?
A pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) is an area of a hospital dedicated to caring for children who need close or specialized monitoring. The PICU is equipped with complex machines and monitoring devices designed for critically ill children.
What is PIC?
A pediatric intermediate care unit (PIC) provides a higher level of monitoring and care than a general pediatrics unit but is less intensive than the PICU. It’s designed for kids who need more specialized treatments or additional support after surgery, illness or an injury.
PICU vs NICU
A neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) provides care for newborn babies who need more intensive medical care. It’s like the PICU in the level of intensive care that is provided, but the NICU is dedicated to premature or newborn babies, so the unit a child goes to depends on their age.
Understanding Your Child’s Care Team
We take a team-based approach to caring for every aspect of your child’s well-being, making sure that all specialists collaborate for the best possible outcome in their care. Your PICU team may consist of:
- Intensivists
- Fellows
- Residents
- Advanced practice nurses
- Nurses
- Respiratory therapists
- Physical therapists
- Speech therapists
- Occupational therapists
- Child life specialists
- Critical care dietitians
- Supportive care counselors
- Pastoral care
- Case managers
- Patient care techs
- Patient care liaisons
- Monitor techs
Accessing the Unit
If your child is transferred to the hospital, whether directly from a provider’s office, by ambulance, by OSF LifeFlight or by the OSF Children's Hospital Critical Care Transport Team, they will be taken directly to the unit. When you arrive, you can stop at the welcome desk on the first floor to receive a badge that will allow you to access the unit, as well as a packet with helpful information.
If your child is transferred from within the hospital, typically from the emergency department or surgery, you can remain with them. However, you’ll need to stop at the welcome desk on the first floor to receive a badge the first time you leave the unit.
For your child’s safety, the unit is always locked, but your badge will allow you to come and go.
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Dining Options
Your child can choose from a variety of kid-friendly meal options throughout their stay. One parent or caregiver can also order a meal at no cost for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Parents and caregivers can also eat at any of our on-campus dining options.
