The Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) is a specialized department within a hospital dedicated to
providing advanced and comprehensive care for critically ill infants, children, and adolescents. Tailored
to address the unique medical needs of paediatric patients, the PICU is staffed by a highly skilled and
specialized healthcare team, and equipped with state-of-the-art technology to deliver intensive medical
interventions.
Key Features of the PICU Ward:
- Critical Paediatric Care: The PICU is designed to manage
a wide range of critical medical conditions affecting infants, children, and adolescents, including severe
infections, respiratory distress, neurological disorders, and post-surgical complications. The unit is
equipped to handle emergencies and life-threatening situations.
- Specialized Monitoring: Paediatric patients in the PICU receive continuous
monitoring of vital signs, including heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation.
Advanced monitoring technology allows healthcare providers to closely track changes in a child's
condition and respond promptly to evolving medical needs.
- Respiratory Support: The PICU provides advanced respiratory care for
children with breathing difficulties, including the use of ventilators and other respiratory support
devices. This ensures optimal oxygenation and ventilation for patients with respiratory challenges.
- Cardiovascular Support: Paediatric patients with cardiac issues receive
specialized care, including monitoring of heart function and interventions such as medications,
inotropic support, and advanced cardiovascular procedures as needed.
- Multidisciplinary Team: The PICU operates with a multidisciplinary
team that includes paediatric intensivists, paediatric nurses, respiratory therapists, nutritionists,
and other specialists. Collaboration among these healthcare professionals ensures comprehensive and
individualized care for each patient.
- Pain Management and Sedation: Children in the PICU receive tailored
pain management and sedation to ensure their comfort and facilitate medical procedures. The healthcare
team prioritizes the alleviation of pain while closely monitoring the child's overall well-being.
- Family-Centered Care: Recognizing the importance of family involvement,
the PICU emphasizes family-centered care. Parents and guardians are encouraged to participate in their
child's care, and the healthcare team provides support, education, and communication to address the
emotional needs of families during the critical care period.
- Rehabilitation and Post-ICU Care: For children recovering
from critical illness, the PICU supports rehabilitation efforts and collaborates with other departments
to ensure a smooth transition to lower levels of care. This may involve physical therapy, occupational
therapy, and on-going medical follow-up.