Changes in Pediatric Intensive Care at the University of Kansas Health System
The University of Kansas Health System has announced it will stop providing pediatric intensive care (PICU) services. This decision comes after years of low patient numbers in the unit and a high demand for beds by other patients.
Currently, the health system has 1,621 licensed beds, but only six are dedicated to pediatric intensive care. Last year, the PICU treated just 150 unique pediatric patients out of over 542,000 patients overall.
Plans are being made to transition care for pediatric patients. Although the exact timeline is still under discussion, it will align with the health system’s fiscal year budget. Pediatric patients will continue to receive emergency care, just as they always have. The health system will retain 19 inpatient beds for pediatric patients who do not need intensive care.
Staff members who currently work in the PICU will stay on to care for pediatric patients or infants, ensuring no job losses occur.
Interestingly, it’s common for adult hospitals with children’s hospitals nearby not to maintain PICU services. In this case, Children’s Mercy Hospital is located less than three miles away, providing a specialized option for young patients.
According to a 2021 survey from the Children’s Hospital Association, over 90% of children’s hospitals face similar pressures to align services based on demand. This reflects a broader trend in healthcare where hospitals are adjusting services to meet patient needs effectively.
The situation raises awareness about the importance of access to specialized care for children. It underscores the need for families to be well-informed about where to seek urgent pediatric care when necessary.
For more details about pediatric healthcare trends, visit the Children’s Hospital Association.
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