Presbyterian Healthcare 
Intensive Care
PICU Guidelines
| Presbyterian's interdisciplinary medical team is specially trained to take care of your child. This group of dedicated professionals understands that you have entrusted to us your most valuable possession - your child. We believe that parents and professionals must be partners to give your child the best possible care. |
At Presbyterian Hemby Children's Hospital Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU), we know this can be a very frightening and stressful time for you and your family. We want to keep you informed of your child's condition and involved in your child's care. Having you nearby is comforting to your child and important to your child's recovery. You will probably have many questions during your child's stay, and we will always try to answer them openly and honestly.
Visiting Guidelines
- Two members of immediate family may visit at a time.
- We may have to ask family members to wait in the waiting area during procedures, admissions and emergency situations.
- Siblings may visit, but please make arrangements with your child's nurse.
- Children should not be left unattended in any patient care area or waiting area.
- All visitors must wash their hands when entering the unit and again before leaving.
- Parents may call directly into the unit at (704) 384-4024 at anytime. To honor your privacy, information will be given only to parents. You may give us written permission to provide information to grandparents if you desire.
- Due to limited space, you may not spend the night with your child in the unit.
- If you have a cold or have been exposed to a contagious disease, please let your child's nurse know before entering the unit.
- We encourage you to bring a small, familiar toy, stuffed animal or blanket for your child. Familiar items from home can help comfort your child.
- A beeper can be provided for parents not available by phone. Check with PICU staff for further details.
PICU Parent Waiting Room Information
Please be sure to use the intercom before coming into the unit at all times. This allows for patient/family privacy and uninterrupted procedures. (Instructions on how to use the intercom system are located beside the phone.
- The waiting room is for your benefit and is equipped with its own restroom, television, phone and chairs that recline.
- You may place and receive phone calls in the waiting room at (704) 384-3147.
- Please use the bulletin board for messages.
- Eating and drinking are allowed in the parent waiting room.
- The PICU staff provides blankets and linens for parents staying over night. Please do not leave personal belongings in the waiting room.
- One parent or grandparent may stay overnight and sleep in the PICU parent waiting room. Please keep noise to a minimum.
- Please refer to the "Guide to Guest Services at Presbyterian" book located in the parent waiting room.
