DEPARTMENT OF PEDIATRIC INTENSIVE CARE

The Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) here, started in 1991, was the first PICU in the private sector in Madras. It was fully renovated in 2019 and has 21 beds (14 ICU and 7 High Dependency). The Pediatric ICU boasts state-of-the-art infrastructure, meticulously designed to adhere to contemporary ICU standards, with particular emphasis on adequate space, natural light, air conditioning, and infection control practices. Additionally, it features four pressurized isolation suites equipped with High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters, further underscoring its commitment to stringent infection prevention measures.

The available facilities encompass a range of advanced medical interventions, including invasive monitoring, mechanical ventilation (non-invasive, conventional, and high-frequency oscillation), inhaled Nitric Oxide therapy, ECMO, Renal Replacement Therapy (peritoneal dialysis, Hemodialysis, SLED and CRRT) and plasmapheresis. Catering to patients from across Tamil Nadu and neighbouring states, the ICU delivers tertiary-level care to seriously ill children up to 18 years age. The spectrum of treated conditions spans severe respiratory & neurological illnesses, various infections (such as malaria, TB, meningitis, Dengue fever, etc.), trauma including head injuries, heart failure, post-operative care after complex Cardiac, Neuro and Airway surgeries, post Bone Marrow Transplant care, and more. Children who require intermediate care between standard pediatric wards and full intensive care, are managed in the High Dependency Unit. With an annual admission of about 1,500 children, the ICU operates under the direction of Dr. Bala Ramachandran, a seasoned expert with over 30 years of experience in managing critically ill children. He is ably assisted by Dr. K. Ravikumar and Dr. K. Sudeep Kumar, with a combined experience of 20 years.

EDUCATION

Education is a cornerstone of our Hospital and the ICU plays a crucial role in imparting essential training in Pediatric Intensive Care to junior doctors from various parts of India and abroad. With round-the-clock coverage provided by qualified Pediatricians, the PICU ensures continuous supervision and learning opportunities.

We are one of the first training centres in India to offer Pediatric Intensive Care training. Recognized by the National Board of Examinations, New Delhi, the PICU offers the prestigious 3-year Dr. NB super speciality program in Pediatric Intensive Care. Furthermore, it is accredited by the Indian Academy of Pediatrics – Intensive Care Chapter / College of Pediatric Critical Care to train postgraduates in a one-year Diploma Course in Pediatric Intensive Care.

PEDIATRIC TRANSPORT

Pediatric Transport is a highly specialized task that demands specific equipment and expertise. Recognizing this need, the ICU was the first to introduce a dedicated long distance Pediatric Critical Care Transport service in Madras. This service features a dedicated ambulance, fully equipped to cater to the unique requirements of pediatric patients. The ambulance is outfitted with essential amenities including air conditioning, power supply, oxygen, a portable multi-parameter monitor, and a pediatric transport ventilator, effectively transforming it into a mobile PICU. A proficient and dedicated team stands ready to retrieve critically ill children from referral hospitals. Notably, this service has facilitated safe transfers of critically ill children spanning distances as far as 500 kilometres, highlighting its extensive reach and effectiveness in providing critical care transport.