Visiting Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU)
The PICU is located on Level 7 of the Wattle Building at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead and consists of:
- Cardiac ICU
- Med/Surg ICU 1, and
- Med/Surg ICU 2.
The Nurse who admits your child to the ward will show you around the unit. This will allow you to become familiar with the ward and know where things are located.
Visiting guidelines
As a parent, you are encouraged to be with your child as often as you wish.
Parents and Carers are welcome to visit their child at the PICU at any time, except during bedside procedures when nursing or medical staff may ask you to wait in the Parent and Carer Lounge.
Visiting arrangements are guided by the Nursing Team Leader to make sure all patients receive the care and rest they need.
Siblings and children
Siblings are welcome to visit but must always be supervised by an adult. Visits by siblings and other children under 12 years are at the discretion of the Nursing Team Leader.
Children who are unwell should not visit until they are feeling better.
Siblings are welcome to attend the Starlight Express Room on Level 2 of the Banksia Building, but must be accompanied by an adult.
Relatives and friends
Family and friends are welcome to visit, but a parent or carer must be present. Visitors cannot attend see your child without your permission. To maintain a calm and safe environment, only two people (including yourself) may be at your child's bedside at any time.
Access
The PICU doors are locked at all times for safety.
To enter, please use the intercom outside the unit. A staff member will speak with you via the camera and let you in as soon as possible. Please press the bell once and wait, as staff may be attending to patients.
For safety and security, please do not allow anyone else to enter behind you.
To leave the ICU your child is in, proceed to the nearest exit, and press the green button near the door to unlock it.
Keeping your hands clean
Hand washing by staff, parents, carers and visitors is the most important way of preventing infection within the unit.
We ask that all visitors to the unit wash their hands in the sink outside your child’s room before coming in and when leaving. There is also alcohol hand sanitiser located at your child’s bedspace.