Visiting the PICU/PCCC

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Before You Visit

We will ask parents for a list of adults who are allowed to visit, and their names will be put on a visitors list. When parents are not at the hospital, only those on the list will be permitted to visit the child.

Only 4 people may be at the child’s bedside at any time. This is because space is limited, and because it’s important to limit noise and other stimulation for our patients. At any time, nurses may limit the number of people in the room for the patient’s safety or for medical necessity. During active flu season, more limited visitor restrictions can be put in place.

Siblings are welcome to visit the PICU during visiting hours, as long as they don’t have colds, fever or other illnesses.

When You Visit

Wash Your Hands

We ask that everyone wash their hands for at least 20 seconds when entering and leaving the patient’s room. Hand washing is the single most important factor to prevent infection.

Stop at the Reception Desk

All parents and visitors are asked to stop at the reception desk at every visit and tell the secretary which patient you are seeing. Before visitors may go in to see the patient, the secretary will contact the patient’s nurse to make sure there are no procedures occurring in the room.

Visitors Will be Screened for Illnesses

The secretary/nurse will screen all visitors for colds and other illnesses. Because sick children are so vulnerable, it is very important that anyone who has a cold, fever or diarrhea not visit the unit. A parent who has a cold might be able to visit, but will be required to wear a mask.

Additional Guidelines

Cell Phones

Cell phones are permitted in patient rooms. Please keep phones on vibrate so that they don’t disturb the patient. A cell phone charging station is available for family use in the PICU/PCCC waiting room.

Food and Drinks in Patient's Room

Parents are allowed to eat in the PICU/PCCC private rooms if their child is able to eat in their room. If the patient is in one of the PCCC bay beds, family members need to eat in the PICU/PCCC family waiting room. If patients are unable to eat or drink in the room, family members are asked to eat in the PICU/PCCC family waiting room as we would like to discourage having patients see or smell food while unable to eat. Refrigerators are available; please see your nurse for stickers with your child's name to label and date your items before putting them in the refrigerator. You are welcome to have covered drinks in your child's room.

Balloons

For safety reasons, latex balloons are not permitted in the hospital. Mylar balloons may be taped to the outside of the patient’s door. Staff need to be able to access your child in the event of an emergency, so balloons are never allowed in patient rooms.

Live Plants and Flowers

For infection control purposes, live plants and flowers are not permitted in patient rooms.