Regionally, nationally, and globally, UPMC Childrens Hospital of Pittsburgh is a leader in the treatment of childhood conditions and diseases, a pioneer in the development of new and improved therapies, and a top educator of the next generation of pediatricians and pediatric subspecialists. With generous community support, UPMC Childrens Hospital has fulfilled this mission since its founding in 1890. UPMC Childrens is named consistently to several elite lists of pediatric hospitals, including ranking on the prestigious U.S. News & World Report annual Honor Roll of Best Childrens Hospitals for 2021-2022.
UPMC Childrens has been in its new 10-acre home in Pittsburgh's Lawrenceville neighborhood since May 2009. Designed with input from physicians, nurses and families to ensure that patients receive care in a comfortable setting, the hospital is a benchmark for quality care built on five principles including:
Your support, presence and involvement are very important to your childs sense of comfort and security while in the hospital. You are encouraged to spend as much time as possible with your child. Please inform your childs nurse when you will be leaving the hospital and when you plan to return.
Children at different ages react differently to hospitalization. Below are possible age-appropriate reactions your child may have, as well as suggestions for comforting your child during his/her hospital stay.
For a child under 3 years of age, having close and continual parental contact during hospitalization is the best means of support. Young children generally do not understand their illness or the hospital environment and most likely will be concerned about being away from the family. Being with your child in the hospital will make him/her feel more secure. However, in observation suites and in the intensive care environment, families will find there are periods of time when they cannot be with their child around the clock.
This age group also wants to be near the family and often views a hospital stay or procedure as punishment for something. Honest, simple, age-appropriate conversations can help your child feel more secure. Remember, young children learn best through play.
Older children usually are worried about painful procedures and changes to their body. Providing information is key at this age. Dont mislead your child by saying something wont hurt if it will. Instead, talk with your child about how to cope with possible pain and confusion.
Teens often are self-conscious and may have lots of questions about specific procedures. Encourage your teen to talk to doctors and nurses involved in his/her care and allow the teen to be part of decisions. This will help your teen feel some degree of control.
Support is offered for patients or family members who are hearing-impaired or non-English-speaking, including foreign language interpreters, sign language interpreters, listening devices, TDD/TTY devices and Deaf Talk (video-conferencing equipment providing sign language and foreign language interpreting).