The pediatric intensive care unit is a place of hope for children with special medical needs. A child may come to the center after an accident or after special diagnostic procedures. Other children are admitted after surgery. All children in the center have one thing in common — the need for special, intensive care. Nurses and doctors closely watch every child around-the-clock. With the help of special equipment, they are able to respond quickly to emergencies.

Visiting
The visiting periods are as long and as flexible as an intensive care setting permits. Two family members may be in the unit during each visiting period. Visitors must be at least 14 years of age. All visitors must wash their hands before they come into the unit. In some cases, visitors may need to wear a gown, mask, and gloves.

Waiting room
The waiting room is meant to be a comfortable, quiet place for families during a stressful time. A Texas Children's Hospital volunteer or receptionist is at the waiting room desk to assist families and answer questions. Only children 14 years of age or older are permitted in the waiting area. Because of limited space, only parents of intensive care patients are allowed in the waiting room after 9 p.m.

Contacting the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU)
When parents cannot be with their child, they may call the pediatric intensive care unit to inquire about the status of their child. To ensure each patient's privacy, only parents may call the unit. Telephones are available in the waiting room for parents to call family and friends.

Texas Children's Hospital Kangaroo Crew®
The Texas Children's Hospital Kangaroo Crew^® transports critically ill babies and children  to Texas Children’s Hospital via ambulance or fixed-wing aircraft.

Progressive care unit
Patients in the progressive care unit (PCU) are acutely or chronically ill and often are admitted from intensive care. Nurses take the lead in coordinating care for patients who require continuous monitoring and observation, with special emphasis given to respiratory, neurological and surgical disorders. Many patients depend on technological support, notably those with tracheostomies or negative pressure ventilators (also known as "iron lungs"). Nurses in the PCU teach families to care for their child at home.