Pediatric Critical Care
What to Expect in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) and the Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Unit (PCICU)
All of your child's physical needs will be met by our staff. However, we understand that when children are in the PICU/PCICU, they need their mom or dad close by for support, comfort, and encouragement. That's why parents are always welcome. If your child is in the PICU/PCICU, you'll be able to stay with your child as much as possible. Of course, you'll also be encouraged to take care of yourself, to rest and to eat. When you need to leave your child, feel free to call us at anytime to check your child's progress. You can reach us directly at (585) 275-2639.
Visitation Policy
- Parents or guardians may visit 24 hours a day.
- Siblings may visit during normal hospital visiting hours (11:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.), providing:
- We have a completed health screening form for each on file (ask your child's nurse for a form).
- They are supervised by a parent at all times.
- Your family's clergy may visit at anytime.
- Two visitors are allowed at one time in a child's room.
- Visitors should wait in the PICU/PCICU family lounge.
- All visitors must check with the secretary at the desk before entering the unit.
- Please wash your hands each time you enter and leave the unit to minimize the chance of spreading an infection.
Calling the PICU, Telephones, and Pagers
- Parents may call the unit at any time to speak to their child's nurse or doctor. To protect your child's privacy, information cannot be given out to other family members or friends. The Parent Information Line is (585) 275-2639.
- When you leave the PICU/PCICU, please make sure the unit secretary has a number where you can be reached in case there's a change in your child's condition.
- While nurses' station phones cannot be used by families to make or receive calls there are two convenient alternatives; a phone in the PICU/PCICU family lounge for local calls and a phone for parents to use in each of the patient rooms.
- No cell phones are allowed on the unit due to possible interference with monitors.
- Pagers are available on a first come, first served basis to help parents stay in touch with friends and family during their child's stay in the PICU/PCICU. Please ask your child's nurse about the program and pager availability.
Food and Drink
- Please use the family lounges or cafeteria for eating.
- To protect against infection and possible damage to sensitive equipment, families, and visitors are not permitted to eat or drink in patient rooms.
- Your child will be allowed to eat in the room when he or she is able.
Overnight Accommodations
There are several options for parents who wish to spend the night with or near their child in the PICU/PCICU:
- One parent may spend the night in the child's room if the child is stable. In-room accommodations consist of a sleeper chair, plus pillow and blanket. The staff reserves the right to make a decision each night. Patient safety is the most important factor in this decision. Due to the frequent assessments and amount of equipment needed to care for your child, you should expect many interruptions to your sleep while in the room.
- The onsite Ronald McDonald House and another on Westmoreland Drive, just five minutes away from the hospital, are available. There's a shuttle service available for the Westmoreland Drive house.
If you have questions, or need help, please ask your child's nurse. He or she can assist you or point you in the right direction.
Contact Us
Pediatric Critical Care
Golisano Children's Hospital
601 Elmwood Avenue
Box 667
Rochester, NY 14642
Office: (585) 275-8138
Parent Information Line: (585) 275-2639
Fax: (585) 275-0707
Pediatric Transport Program Hotline
Referring Physicians call:
(585) 273-1500
