Why Choose Us for Pediatric Critical Care?

The Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) at the University of Chicago Medicine Comer Children's Hospital is considered a national leader in pediatric critical care.

Superior Outcomes

Mortality rates in the PICU are significantly lower than the national average. While the mortality rate in most PICUs is between 4 and 7 percent, our mortality rate is between 2 and 3 percent.

Knowledgeable Staff

Our staff members have received extensive training in pediatric intensive care medicine. In addition, most are trained in other pediatric specialties, such as pediatric nephrology, cardiology, pulmonary biology, and anesthesiology. In fact, many of our physicians are "triple-boarded," meaning they are board certified in three different pediatric subspecialties.

All families are contacted by a social worker who will answer questions, provide emotional support, and help solve family-related problems, such as temporary housing and financial concerns.

This depth of expertise means that your child receives care from doctors who understand the needs of critically ill children and have a thorough understanding of your child's disease and the best treatment. This also helps ensure your child's stable transfer between units, such as from the operating room to the PICU.

Research Leading to the Best Care

The staff at Comer Children's Hospital is actively involved in research to improve the care of critically ill children. Our team is continuously developing more effective treatment protocols to help our patients recover faster, with less pain, and fewer complications.

Our PICU is one of just a few in the country that receives direct funding from the National Institutes of Health for research on improving the care of critically ill children. Other hospitals throughout the country adopt protocols that are developed here at Comer Children's Hospital

The Pediatric Comfort Team helps to relieve symptoms and optimize the quality of life for children facing serious illnesses. Download a brochure (PDF)

Palliative Care Program

Pain can be one of the most stressful parts of your child's illness. Our team offers a variety of methods to comfort your child and ease his or her distress. The University of Chicago Medicine Comer Children's Hospital was the first children's hospital in Chicago -- and among the first in the country -- to have a pediatric palliative care program within its walls. A physician and nurse practitioner work closely with the family and the primary care team on quality-of-life decision-making and pain and symptom management.