The in-patient service at St. Louis Children’s Hospital for infants and children with cardiac problems is structured around a model of coordinated care that makes the admission as comfortable and pleasant as possible, while still supplying a level of care that is the best available. All in-patient settings for our patients are located in the same general area. The in-patient cardiology floor, the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit and the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit are all on the 7th floor. The state-of-the-art cardiac catheterization laboratory is adjacent to these three units.
Heart Center Transitional Care Unit (TCU)
A redesigned and refurbished unit, the TCU has 14 semi-private rooms, each with two beds. Nursing staff on this floor are trained specifically to deal with cardiology patients. Telemetry (which is continuous cardiac monitoring) is available for each bed space. This includes remote telemetry, which allows your child to move around on the cardiology floor and still be monitored at all times. Each individual bed space is also furnished with its own television. A selection of videos and games is available on the unit.
Pediatric Intensive Care Unit
The Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) is also redesigned and allows for intensive monitoring and care of critically ill children. The 28 bed spaces are supported by one-on-one nursing staff, trained specifically for the intensive care of infants and children with congenital and acquired heart disease. The medical staff consist of a combination of Intensive Care physicians, pediatric cardiologists and cardiothoracic surgeons, who all actively participate in the care of the patients through joint rounds, patient care conferences and procedures, if necessary.
Will I be able to stay with my child after they are admitted?
On the Heart Center Transitional Care Unit (TCU) in-patient floor, parents are able to stay with their child at all times. There is space for one parent to sleep in the room beside their child. Additional sleeping space and bathroom facilities with showers are available in the parent lounge on the seventh floor. In the Intensive Care Unit, parents are asked to leave during patient care rounds in the morning to ensure the privacy of other patients. At most other times, parents may sit at their child’s bedside. During the night, space for parents is available in the parent’s lounge.
What should we bring to the hospital?
Bring comfort items such as blankets, stuffed animals, pacifiers or any other items that will make your child feel more comfortable. All food, diapers, hygiene items and appropriate hospital clothing will be provided. You may bring your child’s own pajamas.
Who will look after my child?
Specially trained nursing staff are used in the Intensive Care and on the Heart Center TCU floor. An attending pediatric cardiologist is responsible for the supervision of your child’s treatment at all times during the admission.