Pediatric Intensive Care Unit

Children and teens hospitalized in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) at Advocate Lutheran General Children’s Hospital, receive sophisticated care from the PICU’s skilled medical professionals. These seriously ill and injured children can benefit from special support and assistance from the Child Life program. Child Life specialists offer a range of services to comfort and encourage patients during this difficult time, including age-appropriate activities, adapted to patients’ interests and abilities if able patients and their families are encouraged to attend playroom and teen lounge activities.

Child Life also fosters a family-centered environment, with sensitive support for the entire family. Child Life specialists, for example, can help prepare siblings for a visit to the PICU by familiarizing them with the types of sights and sounds they will experience while in the PICU. This preparation can help ease anxiety and fear, and make the experience a more positive, successful one for the entire family.

To find out more about your child's/teen's stay, click here.