Pediatric Intensive/ Intermediate Care Unit
The Region’s Only Pediatric Intensive Care Unit
When your child is critically ill or injured, you want the best possible care – and you want it as quickly as possible. At Baystate Children’s Hospital – a fully accredited hospital within Baystate Medical Center – you’ll receive the highest level of care in the only Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU).
Conditions that Often Require Intensive Care
We provide advanced medical, surgical, and trauma care for infants, children, and young adults through age 21 in a setting that makes the family the center of care.
Children with conditions like these may need care in the PICU:
- Breathing problems from an infection like pneumonia or bronchiolitis
- Complications from an underlying disease such as diabetes
- Ingestion or poisoning
- Recent surgery – especially neurosurgery, thoracic (chest), abdominal, or major orthopedic
- Severe asthma or other ongoing breathing illness
- Severe infections such as sepsis or meningitis
- Traumatic injury
Facilities Designed for Intensive Care
Our PICU has seven private rooms with glass doors we can close to increase privacy while still allowing the staff to visually monitor patients.
Patients in the PICU are monitored by state-of-the-art heart and breathing equipment. All of the unit’s equipment is designed specifically for the needs of children.
The unit also features a bright, cheerful family lounge, available for family members who may need a break away from the bedside.
Your Child’s Team of Compassionate Experts
Your child’s critical care team includes:
- Pediatric critical care specialists
- Pediatric medical and surgical subspecialists
- Pediatric critical care nurses
- Respiratory therapists
- Nutritionists
- Pharmacists
- Physical and occupational therapists
- Child life specialists
- Social workers
- Case managers
All of our critical care specialists work together to provide coordinated and outstanding care to your child, including their emotional and social needs as well as their medical needs.
We’re a leader in providing family-centered care for our patients. As a parent, you’re always welcome at your child’s bedside. We encourage you to make it a home away from home while you’re with us. For your comfort and convenience, you also may:
- Bring familiar items like toys, blankets, or photos to comfort your child.
- Spend the night in your child’s room.
- Use the family sleep room for a quiet place to rest or shower.
- Access a variety of support services
You’re encouraged to join daily bedside rounds with the PICU team as we review your child’s current condition and plan of care moving forward. We always welcome your suggestions about your child’s care. You know your child best, and we listen to your instincts and feelings.
Back to Top