Critical care
Pediatric critical care medicine
Pediatric critical care medicine is a form of pediatric medicine where specialists provide care for children who either have a life-threatening condition or there is a concern they could develop a life-threatening condition. Patients who require the care of a pediatric critical care specialist receive their care in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU).
Compassionate, expert care for critically ill and injured children
Our critical care medicine team serves children from across Virginia and beyond with exceptional, high-quality critical care anchored by education and research. Within our unit, we care for the smallest of babies to the biggest of kids who have undergone major surgery or transplants, are fighting cancers or severe illnesses, or are survivors of trauma, such as a motor vehicle accident, fall or violence. Our kids receive care in an environment equipped with 24/7 access to pediatric specialists and life-saving treatments that no other pediatric intensive care unit in Central Virginia can offer.
The highest level of pediatric intensive care in our community
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We were the first critical care in Virginia: Opened in 1978, our PICU was a pioneer in the state of Virginia, the first to offer the new specialty of pediatric critical care. Today we continue to offer the highest level of medical care for children. - We provide unrivaled care, and it shows with recognitions such as the Beacon Award for Excellence and Level 1 trauma center designation: Our PICU recently earned a silver-level Beacon Award for Excellence from the American Association of Critical Care Nurses. We also are the only Level I pediatric trauma and burn center in central Virginia. Our team is prepared to handle any trauma, for any child, at any time.
- CHoR is staffed 24/7 by board-certified pediatric critical care physicians: We have physicians in-house 24/7 to ensure the highest degree of care for children. They work closely with advanced practice providers, residents, fellows, nurses, respiratory therapists, child life specialists, dietitians, social workers, pharmacists, chaplains and other health care professionals to provide exceptional, collaborative pediatric care.
- Specialized intensive care for children: As part of an academic medical center (hospital that works with a school of medicine), we offer your child the most advanced technologies and treatments - applying knowledge gained from our own research and from research around the world. With a team approach and attention to detail, your child will have a dedicated team of nurses who are specially trained in the art and science of caring for critically ill and injured children.
Why might my infant or child need to be in the PICU?
- Lung conditions
- Cardiovascular conditions
- Endocrine and metabolism conditions
- Fluid, electrolyte and kidney diseases
- Gastrointestinal conditions
- Infectious diseases
- Neuromuscular conditions
- Poisoning and environmental injuries
- Seizures
- Traumatic brain injury
- Following an extensive surgical procedure
- Trauma
Information for referring providers and hospitals