Charlotte, N.C., Sept. 9, 2015 - A completely redesigned pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) recently opened at Novant Health Hemby Children's Hospital. The new unit, which saw its first patient Sept. 8, provides critical care service to seriously ill infants, children and adolescents.
"We are thrill to unveil our beautiful new pediatric intensive care unit that is much larger and features private patients room," said Paula Vincent, president of Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center. "Going from 3,200 square feet to 6,700 square feet allowed us to create an all-private eight-bed unit that is much more spacious and comfortable for our youngest patients and their family members."
Any visit to a hospital can be stressful for children and families, and the new private rooms will help to ease some anxiety. "Being able to provide private rooms for our patients and families is beneficial for their emotional well-being, allowing them to relax as much as possible and focus on getting better," said Vincent.
Each private room offers conveniences such as a refrigerator for storing food and drinks, along with a pullout sofa so parents can comfortably spend the night with their child. Other amenities include a flat-screen television and an Xbox video game console for entertainment. Parents also have access to a kitchen area on the unit.
The PICU specializes in the care of critically ill children and provides care for a wide range of conditions, such as heart and neurological disorders, respiratory failure, diabetic ketoacidosis and sepsis.
"Our PICU is staffed by teams that specialize in diagnosing and managing children with critical illnesses," said Vincent. "Our intensivists and specially trained nurses provide exceptional care to our pediatric patients and they now have a unit reflective of their level of expertise."
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