Pediatric Critical Care
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Lifesaving care for our young patients
When your child needs intensive, around-the-clock medical support, you can trust UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals to deliver the highest level of care. From state-of-the-art equipment designed for kids to highly skilled specialists, we do everything possible to prioritize your child's safety and recovery.
We are also at the forefront of pediatric critical care research. Our experts investigate new treatments to improve survival rates and better protect children from long-term complications of illnesses.
Neonatal and pediatric intensive care units
The neonatal and pediatric intensive care units (NICUs and PICUs) at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals provide critical care to thousands of children each year. They are staffed 24/7 by neonatologists (specialists in newborn care) and pediatric critical care specialists. Our neonatal transport teams bring critically ill infants from across Northern California to our ICUs for specialized care.
In our intensive care units, your child has access to a wide range of specialists and comprehensive services, including:
Cardiac and neuro-intensive expertise. We're home to one of the most comprehensive neonatal and pediatric heart programs in the country, with a dedicated cardiac ICU. We also have a specialized neuro-intensive care nursery for newborns at risk for neurological problems.
Care for immunocompromised children. Benioff Children's has a dedicated critical care program for patients with weakened immune systems due to cancer, blood disorders, immunological conditions and bone marrow transplants.
Advanced life-support technology. We use the latest technologies for ventilation, dialysis and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). ECMO is an advanced life-support system that temporarily takes over the work of the heart and lungs.
Transitional care. Our transitional care unit provides the ideal environment for children preparing to return home after intensive care. Kids receive medical care and family-centered support to help them continue their recovery outside the hospital.
Lifesaving care for our young patients
When your child needs intensive, around-the-clock medical support, you can trust UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals to deliver the highest level of care. From state-of-the-art equipment designed for kids to highly skilled specialists, we do everything possible to prioritize your child's safety and recovery.
We are also at the forefront of pediatric critical care research. Our experts investigate new treatments to improve survival rates and better protect children from long-term complications of illnesses.
Neonatal and pediatric intensive care units
The neonatal and pediatric intensive care units (NICUs and PICUs) at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals provide critical care to thousands of children each year. They are staffed 24/7 by neonatologists (specialists in newborn care) and pediatric critical care specialists. Our neonatal transport teams bring critically ill infants from across Northern California to our ICUs for specialized care.
In our intensive care units, your child has access to a wide range of specialists and comprehensive services, including:
Cardiac and neuro-intensive expertise. We're home to one of the most comprehensive neonatal and pediatric heart programs in the country, with a dedicated cardiac ICU. We also have a specialized neuro-intensive care nursery for newborns at risk for neurological problems.
Care for immunocompromised children. Benioff Children's has a dedicated critical care program for patients with weakened immune systems due to cancer, blood disorders, immunological conditions and bone marrow transplants.
Advanced life-support technology. We use the latest technologies for ventilation, dialysis and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). ECMO is an advanced life-support system that temporarily takes over the work of the heart and lungs.
Transitional care. Our transitional care unit provides the ideal environment for children preparing to return home after intensive care. Kids receive medical care and family-centered support to help them continue their recovery outside the hospital.
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Awards & achievements
No. 6 in the nation for neonatology
Best in Northern California for cardiology & heart surgery
One of the nation's best for neurology & neurosurgery
Ranked among the nation's best in 11 specialties
Related conditions & treatments
Conditions
Treatments
- Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy (CRRT)
- Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation
- Mechanical Ventilation
- Tracheostomy
Support services
Child Life
Certified child life specialists ease the stress and anxiety of childhood illness through therapeutic play, schooling and family-focused support.
Gentle Hands Program
We help parents of medically fragile infants bond with their babies via special techniques for soothing, holding and bathing their child. Learn more.
Family Amenities
Family-friendly amenities help you relax and take care of yourself while staying close to your child. We offer lounges, kitchens, showers, breastfeeding rooms and more.
Social Services at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals
Social workers ease the effect of illness, injury and hospitalization on your family with counseling and assistance to help you navigate the challenges.
Activity Rooms
Activity rooms offer a relaxed environment for children of all ages. Features include a playroom, digital arts studio and teen lounge. Find out more.
Pediatric Art Therapy Program
Art therapy helps kids and families express themselves, making it easier to cope with pediatric health issues. Group and bedside services are available.
Pediatric Music Therapy Program
Board-certified music therapists help kids cope with illness and the feelings that come with it. Find out about group activities and bedside therapy.
School Program for Hospitalized Children
Our schoolroom services and individual learning programs help children hospitalized at UCSF continue their education and get ready to return to school.
School Re-Entry Program
We help kids return to school after hospitalization by educating staff and students about their needs and recommending needed accommodations. Read more.
Individual Playtime & Instruction
If your child can't be around other kids for medical reasons, you can sign up for private sessions in our activity and school rooms. Find out how.
Interpreter Services & Communication Assistance at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals
Interpreter services in many languages and TDDs are available for families that need help communicating with care teams. Here's how to access them.
Parent Support Program
Weekly activities, including knitting, scrapbooking, chair massage and more, help family caregivers get a much-needed break. Find out more.
Patient Relations at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals
Patient relations reps and nursing supervisors are here to answer questions and address concerns. Learn about your rights, how to reach us and more.
Spiritual Care at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals
Chaplains help UCSF patients, families and staff cope with the spiritual and emotional challenges of childhood illness. Learn more.
International Services at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals
If you're coming to UCSF from outside the U.S., we coordinate your child's appointments and provide other helpful services. Here's how to get started.