Pediatric Intensive Care Unit

(260) 435-7337 (260) 435-7337
To call a patient room: (260) 435-7003 (260) 435-7003 , + room number
Dial “9” to access an outside line.

The Lutheran Children's Hospital Pediatric Intensive Care Unit provides intensive care in a unit dedicated exclusively to caring for critically ill or injured children. Children receive continuous observation and treatment from a staff that includes a pediatric intensive care specialist, nurses, social workers, pediatric dieticians and other support staff. The registered nurses are certified in pediatric advanced life support and trained in high-tech critical care, and some have also completed the emergency nursing pediatric course.

Patient and doctor at the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit

A lounge is available for parents who need a rest just outside the pediatric inpatient unit. Parents are welcome to remain at the bedside at night in their child’s private room, and are welcome to use the shower. Linens, towels and some toiletries are available, if needed. Parents who need overnight sleeping accommodations can utilize the Mad Anthony's Children's Hope Hospitality House, located on the Lutheran Campus.

Meals are served through room service. Nurses provide menus for patients that meet physician-ordered dietary guidelines. Parents are given ordering instructions, and patients can order their favorite foods as long as the chosen items are included in the diet plan. Parents can order three meals per day. A refrigerator is available for parents who wish to bring in food, and complimentary coffee, hot tea, soft drinks and snacks are available for parents at the nurses' station.

Safety Measures
The safety of your child while in our care is a priority for Lutheran Children's Hospital associates. For this reason, the following measures are taken to ensure your child's safety:

The PICU is always locked-down. Nurses will explain the procedure for entering the unit.

All LCH associates are required to wear identifying name badges at all times.
Staff participate in twice daily safety huddles, hourly rounding and bedside report.
All staff are CPR certified and registered nurses are PALS certified.
Patient conditions are not released over the phone to anyone except parents or legal guardians.
Bed rails will always be up if a child is in the bed.
Children will not be left alone in high chairs, wagons or swings.
Rubber (latex) balloons are prohibited in the hospital. Mylar or foil balloons are welcome.
Flowers and plants may be restricted, depending on the child’s condition.
Thumbtacks may not be used to secure pictures and cards to bulletin boards and walls.
Smoking, including the use of e-cigarettes, vaping devices and other similar products, along with the use of any other tobacco products, is prohibited within the hospital and on the entire campus.