If your child becomes critically ill, they may need specialized treatment and 24/7 monitoring. The pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) at The Woman's Hospital of Texas Pediatric Center offers the highest level of medical care when your child needs it most.
Our 14-bed PICU is staffed 24/7 by a team of pediatric experts who are dedicated to providing lifesaving medical care for infants, children and adolescents. Our highly skilled PICU team includes specially trained critical care physicians and nurses, intensivists, respiratory therapists, child life specialists, social workers, dieticians, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists and pharmacists.
A stay in the PICU can be frightening and confusing for both you and your child. We offer private rooms that are equipped with sleeper sofa beds for parents to stay close. We utilize state-of-the-art equipment, along with the latest technology, which allows us to better diagnose and treat your child's condition.
PICU services
Some children end up in the PICU following a surgical procedure and others after receiving emergency care. No matter what your child's condition is, every member of our team is focused on helping your child get better so they can go home.
We care for children with a wide spectrum of serious medical conditions, including:
- Airway disease, including asthma
- Children recovering from complex and general surgeries
- Diabetic complications
- Drug overdose
- Extreme high blood pressure
- Extreme seizure activity
- Life-threatening bleeding
- Life-threatening enterovirus and influenza
- Pediatric acute respiratory failure
- Pediatric multiple organ dysfunction syndrome
- Pneumonia
- Poisoning
- Serious infection
- Shock
- Sickle cell crisis
HCA Houston Healthcare AIRLife offers air transport for pediatric patients who require specialty or critical care to our emergency room. Their pediatric and neonatal intensive care specialty teams are available 24/7 and are focused on getting our patients where they need to be for lifesaving care.
What to expect in the PICU
Our goal in the PICU is to return your child to good health as quickly as possible. During your child's time in the PICU special equipment and treatment may be required to help care for your child. There will be new sights and sounds in your child's room that may be overwhelming at times, but know that our team is here to support your family and we will make sure you are informed on your child's care every step of the way.
During your child's stay, he/she may be moved from the PICU to our pediatric medical and surgical unit. Children who are moved to this unit require less intensive medical care, but will still be monitored until they are discharged.
At The Woman's Hospital of Texas Pediatric Center, we make every effort to keep your child and family comfortable. Our PICU team will work together to ensure your child receives the personalized care and support they need.