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An image of the TECK entrance at BCCH Hospital

Generally, predicting the length of your child's stay is challenging and subject to sudden changes. While your medical team may not be able to provide an exact estimate, they are committed to letting you know as early as possible when a transfer seems likely. This ensures that you are informed throughout the process, allowing for better planning and support during your child's hospitalization.

Leaving the PICU
  • Depending on your child's needs, they may move  to a medical or surgical floor at BC Children's, or a community hospital.
  • Rarely they may be able to leave the PICU and go home.
    • If your child has a family doctor or pediatrician, please share their information with your bedside nurse.
  • Moving out of the PICU is an important milestone, signaling that your child no longer requires intensive monitoring or care. However, this transition can bring some anxiety. Rest assured, the PICU team will only transfer children when they are stable and ready, and the new team will continue supporting their recovery.
  • Your PICU team will talk with you about next steps.
  • If your child moves to another unit at BC Children's, the PICU Critical Care Outreach Nurse (CCON) will help the move go smoothly. They will visit your child in their new unit, and work with the new nursing team to explain your child's care plan.
Going Home

Typically, caregivers are responsible for arranging their own transportation home and handling associated costs. Our social workers can support you during this transition. They can help with trip planning and financial planning. They can also help connect you with an Indigenous Health Worker or a social worker in a community closer to where you live.

  • Trip planning can include help arranging flights, planning to drive  home, or  using taxis or public transportation to get home.

Financial supports may be available for certain families, depending on how far you must travel, and your child's needs. If you require financial assistance, please speak with your social worker.

Patients and caregivers who are Indigenous (and have Status) may get help with travel from First Nations Health Authority or Non Insured Health Benefits. If you have questions, ask your social worker.

Details about your child’s admission, care in hospital and plans after discharge will be sent to your child’s regular care team, such as a family doctor, nurse practitioner or pediatrician.  Please inform the hospital team about the important people in your child’s normal care.

Follow-Up After PICU Admission
  • Even after being discharged from the PICU and hospital, many patients and their families continue to face a recovery journey. The information below highlights some of the challenges that may arise once patients transition home.
  • Family physicians, pediatricians, and/or other healthcare workers can play a crucial role in supporting patients and families on their recovery journey. They may be able to address specific concerns you have about your child’s care plan moving forwards.
  • Here are some resources with information on how you can support your child during their discharge from the PICU.

    • After PICU: Supporting children and parents after critical illness

  • To enhance support, the PICU is launching a pilot program to follow up with select pediatric patients post-discharge.
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an image explaining the four main parts of the recovery after PICU admission