When your child is well enough they will be discharged from CICU to a ward within the hospital or a paediatric ward closer to your home if suitable. 

Once your child has left CICU, medical and nursing care will change. Nursing care on the general paediatric wards is less intensive. Usually one nurse will be responsible for two to four patients.

This can be unsettling for many parents, but this should be recognised as a sign that your child’s condition is improving. The CICU doctors will hand over care to the ward medical staff updating them on your child’s progress in CICU. 

Your CICU nurse will hand over to the nurses on the receiving ward and all allied health needs will be handed over as required.

For some children, recovery continues after going home. Serious illnesses and time in the intensive care unit can affect a child’s body, emotions, behaviour and learning. This is known as Post-Intensive Care Syndrome – Paediatrics (PICS-p).

What is PICS-p?

Post-Intensive Care Syndrome – Paediatrics (PICS-p) refers to a group of physical, emotional, cognitive and social difficulties that can affect children as well as their families after a stay in CICU. 

These challenges may appear during recovery or after going home and can last for weeks or longer. 

Children may experience physical symptoms such as:

• weakness
• fatigue
• sleep problems
• reduced mobility.

Children may also develop cognitive, emotional and psychological symptoms such as:

• memory, attention or learning problems
• anxiety
• low mood
• irritability
• clinginess
• distress related to hospital experiences.

Families may also experience ongoing stress or anxiety after their child’s ICU admission. A child’s recovery is closely linked with their family’s wellbeing and social environment. Parents and carers play a key role in supporting recovery. 

Monitoring your child for changes in physical health, behaviour, emotions, learning or social engagement can help identify concerns early and allow appropriate support.

We provide screening and management for high-risk patients. If you have any concerns about your child’s recovery after a CICU stay, please contact SCHN-CICU-FollowUpClinic@health.nsw.gov.au for advice and support.