Penn State Health Children Hospital Approach to Pediatric Intensive Care
The Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) at Penn State Health Children’s Hospital is a multidisciplinary unit that cares for the specialized needs of infants, children and adolescents who are very seriously ill, injured or recovering from major, invasive surgery. Our compassionate team of doctors, nurses and support staff have the experience and specialized training to provide advanced care for your critically ill child.
The integrated Cardiac Intensive Care Unit provides care for infants, children, and neonates with congenital or acquired heart disease. The Congenital Heart Program at Penn State Health Children’s Hospital is nationally ranked amongst the top cardiovascular surgery programs in the United States.
Our compassionate team of specialty trained doctors, nurses, respiratory therapists, pharmacists, nutritionists, and social workers (and allied health professionals) have experience and specialized training to provide advanced care for your critically ill child with the goal of achieving the best outcomes possible.
Life-Saving Treatment
We provide expert lifesaving and life-support treatment. Because we understand that your child needs the highest level of treatment and observation 24 hours a day, our PICU is equipped with the most advanced technology to continuously monitor your child’s health and progress and provide immediate intervention when needed. Treatments include:
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO)
Hemodynamic monitoring and support (measures blood flow, pressure and oxygen in the heart, veins and arteries)
High-frequency ventilation (breathing machines that work faster than normal ventilation and lower the risk of lung injury)
Invasive and noninvasive neurointensive monitoring for brain injury treatment
Pre- and post-surgery support for brain trauma patients
Pre- and post-surgery support for infants and children with heart disease, organ transplants and toxicological emergencies (poisoning or medicine overdose)
Renal dialysis (machines that work for the kidneys)
Meet the care team at the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) at Penn State Health Children’s Hospital who help children recover from a very serious illness or injury.
Why Choose Penn State Health Children’s Hospital for Pediatric Intensive Care
The Pediatric Intensive Unit at Penn State Health Children’s Hospital is dedicated to providing your child with the most advanced, lifesaving treatment possible in an atmosphere that values patient safety, family satisfaction and compassionate care. Our team of experts will help you and your child through difficult injury and illnesses.
Expert, Team-Based Care Designed for You
Our pediatric intensivists work with other pediatric specialists and surgeons to provide the best care and treatment for your child. Our team includes:
Pediatric critical care physicians
Pediatric critical care practitioners
Pediatric critical care nurses
Pediatric critical care physician trainees
Pediatric resident physicians
Pediatric critical care respiratory therapists
Nutritionists
Pharmacists
Social workers
Care coordinators
Intensive Care Research and Clinical Trials
Penn State Health Children’s Hospital is researching tomorrow’s tests, treatments and management of pediatric critical care. At Penn State Health Children’s Hospital, we are dedicated to improving the understanding of diseases and enhancing treatment and prevention of childhood illnesses through our research. When you come here, you get the latest, researched-backed care. Find out if a clinical trial is right for you.
As a parent or caregiver of a critically ill child, you probably have many questions. Learning more about their illness, treatments, care - and ways you can cope - can go a long way towards easing your mind. Learn more at the links below:
Support groups provide children and their families an opportunity to connect with others in similar situations. Learn more about the support groups offered at Penn State Health Children’s Hospital.
We have an active clinical science research program and frequently seek volunteers to participate in clinical trials. These studies help our scientists improve diagnostic techniques, develop better treatments, and collaborate with other researchers.
