Forever and Ever for Kids, with rooms that let parents stay with children.
Children's of Mississippi, part of the state's only academic medical center, includes the only hospital devoted exclusively to children in Mississippi. It is the referral center for infants, children and adolescents requiring highly complicated and life-saving procedures.
The hospital's 32-bed pediatric intensive care unit (PICU), located within Kathy and Joe Sanderson Tower, is the only facility of its kind in the state. Nearly 1,600 critically ill patients – too sick to be treated on general inpatient floors – are admitted each year for specialized medical and nursing services.
There are a number of conditions that may require intensive care. Some of these are:
- Severe infection
- Respiratory failure and severe asthma
- Cancer
- Trauma
- Extensive surgery, including open heart surgery
- Congenital anomalies
- Seizures and severe neurological disorders
Family-centered care for critically ill children
To support family centered care, the PICU’s 32 private rooms are all equipped with private bathrooms and sofas so parents can stay with their children all day and overnight. The PICU’s Family Room, reserved just for family members of patients, provides amenities that make it easier for families during an extended stay in the PICU. The room offers:
- Washer/dryer
- Kitchenette with microwave/refrigerator
- Dining area
- Small activity space
PICU team
A large group of people with specialized skills works closely together to care for children in the PICU. The team is led by specialists who are board certified in pediatric critical care. Contributing to the care group are physicians, nurses, respiratory therapists, pharmacists, social workers and others committed to the health and well-being of young patients. Surgical patients are closely followed by a surgical team as well. There is a physician available 24 hours a day to answer any questions you may have about your child’s care.
Cardiac ICU
Young patients with cardiac problems are closely monitored in a particular area of the PICU. This allows the specialized care team to focus on these patients' special needs following congenital heart surgery.
UMMC
