When your child’s life is in danger, nothing else matters. You want your child in caring, capable hands. Quick action and constant monitoring are critical.
At WVU Medicine Children’s, we have the largest pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) and the only pediatric cardiac surgical and intensive care service in West Virginia. We also have the state’s only pediatric ECMO program to pump and oxygenate blood outside the body when necessary. In addition, we have the largest pediatric critical care transport service in West Virginia, so children from around the region can access our advanced care.
When your child is in our care, we’ll do everything to protect your child’s health and your peace of mind.
Conditions We Treat
We provide life-saving care for many situations and emergencies. These include:
- Asthma and other breathing disorders
- Respiratory failure
- Heart conditions
- Severe infectious illnesses, such as sepsis, pneumonia, and meningitis
- Diabetic ketoacidosis and other metabolic disorders
- Kidney disorders
- Neuromuscular disorders
- Poison ingestion
- Traumatic injuries
- Recovery following significant surgeries
Treatments and Services
Our critical care team provides all the care needed when your child’s life is on the line. Examples of life-saving treatments we provide include:
- Mechanical ventilation for respiratory failure
- Treatment for breathing problems, such as asthma
- ECMO for pumping and oxygenating blood outside the body allowing the heart and lungs to recover
- Pediatric heart surgery, including treatment for congenital heart disease (a problem with the heart, aorta, or other large blood vessels that is present at birth)
- Resuscitation for sepsis (a life-threatening condition caused by the infection and the body’s reaction to the infection)
- Kidney replacement therapies
- Treatment for traumatic injuries (in conjunction with WVU’s Jon Michael Moore Trauma Center)
Resources
For families with children who are having a health crisis, WVU Medicine Children’s offers a wide range of support groups and other resources. A pediatric ICU child life specialist is available to help comfort your child during procedures. Supportive care services are available for adjustment to a child’s illness and grief support. Visitation for parents and guardians is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Ronald McDonald House
The Ronald McDonald House offers families a place to stay, so they can be near their child while they are in our care. Please visit their website to learn more about their services.
Jeff and Vicky Hostetler Family Resource Center
The Jeff and Vicky Hostetler Family Resource Center provides patients and their families with information about health conditions, area lodging, and community support.
Interfaith chaplains
Interfaith chaplains and a Prayer and Meditation Room are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
School intervention program
A school intervention program is available for students in grades K-12 and includes hospital-based teaching and school liaison services. These services are available to students who live both in and out of state. Contact 304-598-4000 ext. 79752 to learn more.
Injury Prevention and Safety Program
The Injury Prevention and Safety Program offers education and support to families on immediate safety concern issues, such as car seat checks and installations, shaken baby prevention, home safety, and postpartum depression.