Visitors should enter the N.C. Children’s Hospital (or the NC Women’s Hospital) on the ground floor and follow the signs to the elevator and our unit. The UNC Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) is located on the 2nd floor of the hospital. As an added level of security, the entrance to the PICU is locked, and visitors should use the phone outside the unit to gain access.

Parking

Parking is available in the Dogwood Parking Deck for an hourly fee. Valet parking also is available. Another option is parking at the nearby Ambulatory Care Center on Mason Farm Road, where you can park for an hourly fee and ride a shuttle to the hospital.

Click here for a location map that includes parking. [.pdf]

Family Visitation and Hours

Two visitors at a time may visit with a patient in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU). Children are allowed to visit their siblings while in the PICU but must be accompanied by an adult at all times. This includes while in the PICU waiting room. Before visiting in the PICU, children under 12 need to be screened–by the nurse caring for the patient–for communicable diseases. For the patient’s security and privacy, the PICU is locked at all times. Visitors should use the phone outside the PICU to call the nursing staff and request permission to enter to see a specific patient.

Family members (or their designee) are welcome to stay at the bedside during the day and night, with the exception of 2 hours a day. Because the medical team needs to be able to efficiently exchange information as shifts change—visiting is NOT allowed during the following times:

• 7 AM – 8:00 AM
• 7 PM – 8:00 PM

There may be other times in addition to those listed above when visitors are asked to leave the room for a brief time. Examples of such circumstances are when it is necessary to provide care in emergencies or under sterile conditions, or when the patient needs more rest. Should any of these occur, the medical staff will explain the situation.

All patient rooms are private. We recognize the importance of the family bond and allow one family member to sleep overnight at the bedside in a specially-designed sleeper chair. We also are happy to discuss housing options and additional conveniences such as personal care and laundry facilities, etc.