The Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) is located on the 2nd floor of the Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital in Saskatoon.
Professionals who work in the PICU have special training in caring for children with high acuity needs. While in the PICU, your child will be cared for by a team of health-care professionals including doctors, residents and nurses. Our teams can also include respiratory therapists, pharmacists and dietitians.
As parents, you are an important part of our team. Please raise any questions, concerns or ideas you may have. We welcome your involvement in your child’s care.
Rounds
During rounds, your child’s care team meets to discuss their plan of care. Rounds happen between 8:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. Monday to Friday. We encourage you to be present during rounds to learn about your child’s condition and participate in their care. If you’re not able to attend, we welcome phone calls 306-655-1915 to discuss how your child is doing.
Security & Confidentiality
You’ll be given an identification number once your child has been admitted. Please have this number with you when entering or calling the unit. We are only able to give information to parents and guardians.
For the safety and security of your child, please dial 1915 from the family room before visiting. We appreciate your patience when circumstances may briefly delay a visit. Please proceed directly to your child’s room to respect the privacy of all patients and families.
Sharing the Care
Parents are an important part of the recovery process. You’re welcome to be with your child at almost any time, taking care to maintain regular rest times for your child and yourselves.
A quiet voice, comforting touch and familiar items can be very reassuring to your child. Please feel free to bring in a favourite blanket or toy, labelling it with your child’s name. All items must be washable to avoid infections or further illness. Flowers and latex balloons are not permitted in this area of the hospital.
Please make sure your child is safe by always raising the crib or bed rails when you are not directly at the bedside. For your own safety, footwear is required at all times.
Sleep Accommodations
We provide a sleep surface, along with bedding and linens, for use at your child’s bedside. For safety reasons, please do not share your bed with your child.
Bring your own toiletries and personal items from home to make your stay more comfortable, and remember to keep them scent-free. Feel free to use the washrooms in the family room or in the main corridor near the entrance. Please ask your nurse where to shower.
Visitors
As parents, you must accompany all visitors to your child’s bedside. Siblings are especially welcome to visit. It might be a good idea to talk to young siblings about what to expect in the PICU. Our nursing staff is happy to help you with this. Please take care not to leave young children unattended in the family room.
There may be times when we have to limit the number of visitors in the room to provide a quiet environment for your child as they recover. These decisions will be based on your child’s condition, and we appreciate your understanding.
If you wish to restrict visitors to your child's room, please inform your nurse.
To protect all patients, if you or your child’s visitors are sick, please don’t visit.
Hand Washing
Hand washing is required upon entering and leaving the PICU. Frequent hand washing, especially after sneezing or coughing, helps protect your child. Feel welcome to ask staff and visitors if they’ve washed their hands prior to interacting with your child.
Spiritual Care
We welcome, respect and do our best to accommodate your spiritual beliefs and practices. Please discuss your wishes with your child’s nurse, who can contact someone in spiritual care who can arrange any assistance you require.