Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU)/High-Dependency Unit (HDU)

Where is the PICU?

PICU/HDU is on Level 3 (the second floor) of the C/D Block. From the main concourse, take the C/D Block stairs or lift up one floor, turn left and then left again, passing through Ward C3.

Who do we care for?

The Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) at Addenbrooke's is an eight-bed ward caring for sick children who need very close observation from doctors, nurses and other members of the PICU team.

Many of our patients are admitted as emergencies, or transfers from other wards at Addenbrooke's or other hospitals. Some of our patients have a planned stay with us after an operation (see below).

Caring for the child and family

Having a child in intensive care can be a very traumatic time for families - it is, therefore, a priority for us to keep families informed about what is happening and make sure that their stay is as easy as possible.

Parents are encouraged to stay with their child and we have accommodation within the hospital so they too can rest.

We try to avoid PICU being a gloomy place - the team finds it a very interesting and rewarding place to work in and we are very happy to explain more about what is happening.

In PICU, we aim to include the family in the PICU team, ensuring that the child is very well cared for - including paying special attention to pain control.

We are very happy when our patients and families come back to see us before they leave the hospital to go home.

Coming to visit before a stay in PICU

Some children will need to be looked after in PICU after a planned operation. We invite them and their family to come to look around before their operation.

About our equipment

In PICU we have the most up-to-date equipment and technology to help our child patients. Our monitors record heart rate, blood pressure, body temperatures and oxygen levels. We can use special 'lines' (tubes) to give medicines, take blood samples, test urine.

Sometimes after an operation or when a child is very sick, some of their body systems stop working correctly and can need some extra support. In PICU we can use equipment to support the heart, breathing, kidneys, stomach and neurological systems.

For further information contact: PICU/HDU, Box 7, Children's Services, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 2QQ; Tel: 01223 217 715; Fax: 01223 586 794.