AAP Approved Level I PICU

Success Story of a Children's Hospital

Ansell

Ansell was born 24 weeks prematurely with compromised lungs. At 3 years old, Ansell was diagnosed with RSV and his lungs couldn't provide enough oxygen to his body.

The Cherese Mari Laulhere PICU is a Level I PICU based on the AAP Policy.

The Cherese Mari Laulhere PICU is a designated California Children's Services Regional Special Care Center. It is one of only eight pediatric critical care centers in Los Angeles County and is equipped and staffed to provide the following:

Continuous monitoring of all vital signs
Care of the intubated/mechanically ventilated patient
Postoperative recovery and care
Intracranial pressure monitoring, including PbO2 monitoring.
Arterial, venous, and pulmonary artery catheter monitoring
Chest tube Insertion and Central and Arterial Line Placement
Assistance with procedures, such as Bronchoscopies, but not limited to
Isolation

Our team features respiratory therapists dedicated exclusively to pediatric intensive care, who partner with pediatric pulmonologists and use the latest advances in respiratory care for its patients:

Converter ventilation
High-frequency ventilation
Inhaled Nitric Oxide
Non-invasive mechanical ventilation
Home ventilator program
ECMO

Patient care is under the direction of the patient’s attending physician and/or sub-specialist. A
board-certified pediatric intensivist is on campus 24 hrs/day Monitoring and evaluating the Quality and Appropriateness of care is provided. Clinical laboratory services, including microbiology and blood bank, are readily available 24 hours a day. Diagnostic radiological services and the operating room are also readily available 24 hours a day.

Other services include, imaging services, diagnostic radiology, nuclear medicine, ultrasound, respiratory therapy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, renal dialysis and nutrition services.

Support services from Miller Children’s and outside agencies utilized include social workers to assess and manage psychosocial issues, case managers to make referrals for follow up after discharge through home health nursing and arrange for durable medical equipment needed for discharge.