Pediatric Critical Care

Like adults, when a child has life-threatening symptoms or an unstable condition, they need special attention. A child may not be able to fight diseases and recover from health conditions the same way an adult can. So, medical care that specifically focuses on the child’s medical needs is crucial for recovery.

Stormont Vail’s Pediatric Intensive Care team includes highly skilled specialists to provide dedicated and uninterrupted care to children and teens.

Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) at Stormont Vail Health

The Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) offers one procedure room, with additional equipment, and six private rooms with secure entry to ensure the utmost safety. The PICU has a full interdisciplinary team of professionals that works with families and children every day. We have team rounds including Pediatric Intensivist, Pediatric Pharmacist, Child Life, Social work, and Case Management, who involve the family in important decision making and planning. This well-supported team also includes a group of pediatric experts and sub-specialty doctors including pediatric neurologists, pediatric endocrinologists, pediatric hematology/ oncologists, pediatric cardiologists, and other surgical service professionals.

Conditions We Treat

Medical and surgical pediatric conditions most commonly treated in pediatric intensive care include:

Treatment Options

Our pediatric intensivists — specialists certified in pediatric critical care — provide care such as:

Evaluating a child’s condition and making a diagnosis

Prescribing medications and outlining treatment plans for children with lung disease and brain trauma

Monitoring the child’s condition around the clock

Placing catheters in the blood vessels and heart to examine if the heart is working well

Resources For Families

We believe family plays a central role in a child’s recovery, which is why we involve the patient’s family in the treatment plan. We update you on your child’s condition, educate you on providing care for your child, and offer emotional support. We have multiple resources available for families including:

Child Life Program to offer play-based methods of support for children

Daily bedside meetings with the patient, family, and full team of care providers

Ronald McDonald House to accommodate out-of-town families

Flexible visiting hours for families: Parents are able to be at the bedside 24/7. Other visitors can come to see a patient between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m.

Grief and loss support

Customized Baby Care Education Classes