Visiting hours
There is an opening visiting policy for close family members to be arranged in advance with the Nurse in Charge.
Patient quote
"Thank you so very much for getting him better and healthy. There are no other words to express how thankful we are. Consider yourself angels!". Mr & Mrs S
Cardiothoracic Services (Heart and Lung)
PICU Freeman Hospital
Contact: (0191) 213 7028 - Sister or Nurse in Charge
PICU is an intensive care unit specifically for children between the age of new born and school leaving age who are seriously ill or recovering from heart surgery.
PICU is an open plan unit and there are times when privacy may be limited. Screens are available so please do ask your nurse if you would like to use this facility.
The unit’s philosophy is based on family centred care which means that we encourage you to take part in your child’s care wherever possible. Parents of children on PICU are always welcome to stay near their child on Ward 23 or alternatively there is accommodation available in flats situated to the rear of Freeman Hospital. If you would like to stay in either of these facilities, please contact the nurse in charge of the relevant ward who will be able to advise you of their availability.
How to find us
Directions to the wardShow [+] Hide [-]
We are based in the Cardiothoracic Centre which is set to the right of the Freeman Hospital as you look at the front. To find us:
- Come into the Cardiothoracic Centre and take a right turn, follow the corridor past the Lung Function Department until you see the lifts or stairs on your left.
- Take the lift or stairs up to level 3 and go ahead but to the right out of the lifts or take a sharp turn right at the top of the stairs.
- Follow the corridor and signs for PICU.
Staff you are likely to meet
The clinical team on PICU includes doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, radiographers, social workers, dieticians and other non clinical staff. The ward sister has overall responsibility for the ward and you can speak to her if you have any enquiries or if you would like to speak to a doctor.
Things you need to know
- A pre-operative check visit is encouraged for yourselves and your child prior to any surgery. Please arrange this with staff on Ward 23 who can be contacted on (0191) 213 7023.
- Visiting is restricted within the first 24 hours following surgery to parents only. After this period grandparents and other close relatives may wish to visit but only two at a time.
- Because of various monitoring equipment and attachments it is often difficult for your child to wear his or her own clothes. Whenever possible we will try to use them and a favourite toy or blanket is always welcome.
