Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU)
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Pediatric intensive care services
We provide the highest level of care for children with serious illnesses or injuries. Our patients range from kids with life-threatening conditions to those recovering from surgery. Children are brought to our pediatric intensive care units (PICUs) from across the western United States.
UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals operate two of the largest PICUs in Northern California, giving our providers in-depth experience and expertise. UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital Oakland is also home to a Level I pediatric trauma center (the highest level).
Both PICUs offer advanced technology and treatment techniques, many of which were pioneered by UCSF.
Team-based care
Pediatric critical care specialists lead your child's care. These doctors are pediatricians with extensive training in caring for seriously ill and injured children. They work closely with other PICU team members, including:
Dietitians
Nurses and nurse specialists
Pharmacists
Respiratory therapists
Social workers
Your child also has access to:
Physical therapists
Occupational therapists
Children in the PICU may also need other types of specialty care. With more than 50 pediatric specialties at Benioff Children's, we can coordinate the care your child needs.
Pediatric expertise
Our team focuses exclusively on caring for kids. All our equipment is child-sized, and we know the treatment protocols that work best for infants and children.
Family-focused environment
A serious illness is stressful for children and their families. We support parents and caregivers and encourage them to spend as much time as possible with their child in the hospital.
Our modern PICUs offer large, sunlit private rooms with sleeping accommodations for a caregiver to stay overnight.
Child life specialists help our patients feel more comfortable in a hospital setting, providing developmentally appropriate activities and support.
Seamless follow-up care
With a wide range of expertise and services at Benioff Children's, we can easily connect your child to specialized care after a PICU stay. We make sure your child has the right support to continue healing.
Pediatric intensive care services
We provide the highest level of care for children with serious illnesses or injuries. Our patients range from kids with life-threatening conditions to those recovering from surgery. Children are brought to our pediatric intensive care units (PICUs) from across the western United States.
UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals operate two of the largest PICUs in Northern California, giving our providers in-depth experience and expertise. UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital Oakland is also home to a Level I pediatric trauma center (the highest level).
Both PICUs offer advanced technology and treatment techniques, many of which were pioneered by UCSF.
Team-based care
Pediatric critical care specialists lead your child's care. These doctors are pediatricians with extensive training in caring for seriously ill and injured children. They work closely with other PICU team members, including:
Dietitians
Nurses and nurse specialists
Pharmacists
Respiratory therapists
Social workers
Your child also has access to:
Physical therapists
Occupational therapists
Children in the PICU may also need other types of specialty care. With more than 50 pediatric specialties at Benioff Children's, we can coordinate the care your child needs.
Pediatric expertise
Our team focuses exclusively on caring for kids. All our equipment is child-sized, and we know the treatment protocols that work best for infants and children.
Family-focused environment
A serious illness is stressful for children and their families. We support parents and caregivers and encourage them to spend as much time as possible with their child in the hospital.
Our modern PICUs offer large, sunlit private rooms with sleeping accommodations for a caregiver to stay overnight.
Child life specialists help our patients feel more comfortable in a hospital setting, providing developmentally appropriate activities and support.
Seamless follow-up care
With a wide range of expertise and services at Benioff Children's, we can easily connect your child to specialized care after a PICU stay. We make sure your child has the right support to continue healing.
Locations (dynamic)
Awards & achievements
Ranked among the nation's best in 11 specialties
Research initiatives
UCSF Pediatric Critical Care ResearchOpens in a new window
The division studies how to improve outcomes for critically ill children, focusing on early intervention, recovery and more effective therapies, including brain protection and biomarkers that predict complications.UCSF Pediatric Heart Center ResearchOpens in a new window
Our team strives to improve the understanding and treatment of children with congenital and acquired heart disease through basic science, clinical trials and translational research.
Support services
Child Life
Certified child life specialists ease the stress and anxiety of childhood illness through therapeutic play, schooling and family-focused support.
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.