Common Questions

Sometimes, it’s hard to know how long your child will be in the PICU. If you’re unsure about what to bring, it’s a good idea to pack things that can help both you and your child feel comfortable or clean, like their favorite blanket or a toothbrush. The PICU also has extra supplies, like toothbrushes, hairbrushes, and donated clothing, if you don’t have time to get them from home.

Other items to consider bringing:

• Documents and paperwork: Please bring any pieces of ID for your child. Please also bring any important medical records you have at home if you are able.
• Money: for food and other things you may need to purchase.
• Clothing and a preferred pillow: You may want to bring comfortable clothing for your child if they are able to wear their own clothing. You may also want to pack some clothing for yourself to change into.
  • Laundry services are available on the sixth and seventh floors. Ask your bedside nurse for assistance in accessing these services
• Toiletries: We will be able to provide your child with basic toiletries on the ward. Please consider bringing toiletries for yourself.
• Glasses, hearing aids, or other assistive equipment: If your child usually uses any of these, it’s important to bring them to the PICU, as they may need them to help with recovery.
• Books, toys, and other activities: You can bring small items and activities that your child enjoys.
• Electronics: We encourage you to bring your own electronic devices (examples, cell phones and tablets), as well as chargers you will need for these devices. We also have TVs and electronic devices that you can borrow from the Child Life service.
• Photos or small personal items: The PICU can feel strange at first. Photos and items from home may comfort  your child. You may bring blankets, stuffed animals, or other favourite items.

• In the PICU, your child may be connected to different machines that can be loud and might make sounds you haven’t heard before. If you’re curious about what these machines do or why they make noises, you can always ask your child’s nurse or doctor.
• There’s a team of trained professionals who are constantly watching these machines and responding to any changes, with monitors set up throughout the unit—not just at the bedside.
• You’re not expected to respond to the sounds from these machines or participate in any of your child’s medical care while they’re in the PICU. Your role is to be there for your child and to take care of yourself, too.
  • If you hear a noise and aren't sure what it means, feel free to ask your bedside nurse.
• The ICU can feel overwhelming with so much going on. It's important to take breaks and care for yourself while we focus on caring for your child.

We have entrances on Oak Street, West 28th Avenue and Willow Street.
Please use Google Maps for directions. Click here for more information

Our addresses:

• 4500 Oak St, Vancouver, BC V6H 3N1
• 938 West 28th Avenue Vancouver, BC Canada V5Z 4H4
• Getting to the PICU: The PICU is on the fourth floor. Use the elevators in the Teck Acute Care Centre to get there. When you come out of the elevators, there should be a unit clerk during the day to help you find your child. If no one is there, take a left from the elevators and go down the hall until you see an intercom. You can use it to call into the PICU where a member of the team with let you in and help you find your child.
• Click here for more information and maps.