Transfer to PICU
When your child needs intensive care, for whatever reason, we understand it is a very anxious time for you. The information on this website should introduce you to Paediatric Intensive Care (PIC) and answer some of the questions you may have.
What is Paediatric Intensive Care?
Your child needs close monitoring, observation and additional care that can only be provided in a Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU). Children need intensive care for different reasons. Some will be planned admissions following an operation. Some admissions will be unexpected following an accident or an emergency.
Where is Paediatric Intensive Care provided in the KIDS NTS region?
Paediatric Intensive Care in the West Midlands is provided in two locations: Birmingham Children’s Hospital and University Hospital of North Midlands (Stoke).
F.A.Q.
Each child and their family have their own allocated nurse. The allocated nurse changes with shift changes. Your child’s nurse acts as the link to other members of the care team including physiotherapists, dieticians, play specialists and hospital chaplains. An intensive care consultant is on duty at all times and will be fully involved in planning and directing the care of your child. There are doctors on the intensive care unit at all times. All staff wear name badges and identity cards at all times.
There will be many pieces of equipment around the bed to closely monitor your child and to give the drugs and fluids they need. The staff will explain the equipment to you. Many pieces of equipment have built in alarm systems, which may be frightening at first but are important in helping to make sure your child is safe. The daily care is planned around each individual child’s needs. The doctors and nurses will keep you as fully informed as possible and updated with any changes to your child’s care and condition.
PLEASE NOTE VISITING RESTRICTIONS ARE CURRENTLY IN PLACE DUE TO COVID-19. THIS MAY MEAN ONLY ONE FAMILY MEMBER CAN BE ON THE INTENSIVE CARE UNIT AT A TIME.
In normal circumstances, there are no restrictions to parents visiting, although you may be asked to wait away from the bedside when certain procedures are being done. Brothers and sisters are very welcome. It is an anxious time for them and if you have any worries or concerns about them visiting please talk to your child’s nurse or the nurse in charge. An appropriate adult must supervise visiting children at all times. For any other visitors please discuss if it is appropriate with the nurse in charge.
To reduce the risk of infection to patients, visitors need to be kept to a minimum, with parents or carers and immediate family only.
Please remove outdoor coats before coming in to the unit. Please wash your hands and use the alcohol gel provided at every sink and bed space, before and after touching your child – this will help
Most children have favourite toys, a ‘cuddly’ or a dummy – please bring them with you because familiar touch and smell is very important. Although we can provide emergency supplies we ask that as soon as possible you provide your own toiletries and nappies for your child. Please remember to pack a bag for yourself or ask someone to bring in some toiletries and clean clothes for you.
It can be helpful to have a pen and paper with you to write down any questions you have and a book either for yourself to read or to read to your child. Space on the PICU is limited and it is important to keep the environment clean and tidy, so please bring essential items only.
birmingham children’s hospital:
We welcome and encourage you to stay with your child, there is accommodation for parents within the hospital and also nearby at the Ronald McDonald House. There is a limited amount of accommodation and the demand for rooms is high, if one is not immediately available you will be put on a waiting list. Rooms are allocated according to a number of criteria (including your child’s condition and distance of travel amongst others). If you would like accommodation please discuss with your child’s nurse.
university hospital north midlands (stoke):
Accommodation is provided free of charge for emergency cases. There are 7 parent bedrooms with en-suite facilities. There is also a house within walking of the PICU which has family rooms, a bathroom, a shared lounge and kitchen facilities, where parents, brothers and sisters may stay together if they want to.