Paediatric Critical Care Unit information for families and visitors

Welcome to the Paediatric Critical Care Unit (PCCU) at Sheffield Children’s Hospital. In this resource you will find information about our Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) and our High Dependency Unit (HDU).

This resource gives you general information about the Paediatric Critical Care Unit. It does not replace the need for personal advice from a healthcare professional. Please ask if you have any questions.

Finding PCCU

The Paediatric Critical Care Unit consists of PICU and HDU. These are located on C Floor of the hospital by the Green lifts or stairs.

In PCCU staff and parents work together. This means we are open and honest with each other, share information and make decisions together.

Telephone

The direct numbers for both units are provided below. If family and friends call, we will take a message but we do ask for these calls to be kept to a minimum. Hospital staff cannot give information about a child to anyone except their parents or carers.

Handwashing

While you are in hospital you will notice all staff and visitors washing their hands or using alcohol gel. This is to prevent the spread of germs and infection. We ask that family members and visitors help us with this. Please wash your hand thoroughly at the sink opposite the ward clerk’s desk as you enter using the hot water and soap provided.

Visiting

As parents and guardians ,you can be with your child at all times. Other family members, siblings or friends who you would like to visit will need to be discussed with the nurse in charge or the family care sister so that we can make sure current guidelines are followed.

Because the PCCU is an open and busy area, we have guidelines for people coming onto the unit.

• Only 2 parents or carers to each child at any one time.
• Please speak to the nurse in charge or the family care sister if you would like anyone else to visit your child during their stay with us. This is to keep the risk of infection as low as possible while still making sure that your child and yourselves are being supported. Please remember to supervise other children at all times if they are allowed to visit.

Mobile phones

Please keep your phone on silent while on the unit and go to the parent’s room to answer any calls for the comfort and privacy of other patients and families. Any phone chargers or electrical equipment must be tested by the electricians at the hospital before you plug them into your power supply – this is for the safety of everyone on the unit. Please ask your bedside nurse or one of our housekeepers to organise this.

Breastfeeding

Please inform your bedside nurse if you are breastfeeding your baby. They will be able to work with the Infant Feeding Team and the Family Care Sister to provide guidance and support to express your milk and in the handling, storage and administration of expressed breast milk.
All breastfeeding mothers are entitled to a free lunch and dinner from the hospital kitchen. Please ask your bedside nurse for details.

Accommodation

Our family accommodation is provided by The Sick Children’s Trust. We have a limited number of rooms available. Please let your bedside nurse know if you require a room. Due to high demand there are times when you may need to wait for a room to become available.