(801) 662-1000
100 North Mario Capecchi Dr.
Salt Lake City, Utah 84113Map

Primary Children's Medical Center

Preparing for Your Stay

Knowing what to expect about a stay in the hospital can provide comfort to both you and your child. The information in this section will help in your preparation. What to Bring

The hospital provides pajamas for patients to age 12. Teenagers will need to provide their own pajamas or wear a hospital gown. You may wish to bring:
  • Robe
  • Slippers
  • Comb and brush
  • Toothbrush
  • Favorite toy or blanket
  • Glasses, hearing aids, orthopedic devices
  • List of current medications and doses
  • School work, if appropriate
Please label any items you bring. The hospital cannot be responsible for personal items.

For safety reasons, please do not bring:
  • Electrical appliances
  • Electrical or spark toys
  • Valuables
  • Hair dryers and curling irons
 Safety and Security Issues

Cellular Telephones
Cell phones can be used in non-patient care areas such as lobbies, waiting rooms, conference rooms, and offices.
  • Please do not use cell phones in patient care units.
  • Cell phone users should maintain a distance of three feet from medical equipment, such as IV pumps and ventilators.

Computers
Computers are available for parent use in the following areas:
  • Medical Library, 1st floor

  • Third floor lobby, north end

  • Parent Resource Center, 3rd floor

Electrical Toys and Appliances
The hospital maintains strict compliance to national fire safety codes. Electrical toys and appliances such as clocks, radios, curling irons, hair dryers, etc., cannot be brought to the hospital.

Balloons
All latex balloons are prohibited in the building. Mylar balloons are permitted and can be purchased in the hospital gift shop.

Latex balloons are the leading cause of choking deaths in children. In addition, many patients and staff are allergic to latex, and the incidence of latex sensitivity appears to be increasing. Please let friends and family members know that any balloons sent to patients must be made of Mylar.

Hospital Security
After 10 p.m., outside doors are locked. To enter the hospital between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m., please use the intercom near the door to reach a Security officer. Parents will need the code number issued for their child at admission in order to enter. People other than parents asking to come into the hospital between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. will be screened by a security officer on a case-by-case basis.

All employees are required to wear identification badges with their photos. Please ask staff to show their badges if the badges are not visible.

Smoking
For the benefit of our patients, Primary Children's is a smoke-free hospital. A smoking shelter is available on the first floor of the parking terrace north of the hospital.

 Nursing Units
    Behavioral Health
    (801) 270-4500
    An inpatient psychiatric unit offers intensive treatment and diagnostic services to patients up to age 18 whose problems have not been successfully treated on an outpatient basis or who are in serious crisis.

    Children's Medical Unit
    (801) 662-3200
    This unit provides care for patients older than 12 months who have medical problems. All pediatric patients receive medical and nursing care under the supervision of the attending physician, the primary nurse, and the unit's administration.

    Children's Surgical Unit
    (801) 662-3300
    This unit provides care for patients older than 12 months who have surgical problems. All pediatric patients receive medical and nursing care under the supervision of the attending physician, the primary nurse, and the unit's administration.

    Immunocompromised Care Unit
    (801) 662-4500
    This unit is for patients who are immunocompromised. There are special visiting requirements and restrictions for patients. Please contact your child's nurse for more information.

    Infant Medical Surgical Unit
    (801) 662-4000
    The Infant Unit cares for medical and surgical patients who are less than one year old. All infant patients receive medical and nursing care under the supervision of the baby's attending physician, the primary nurse, and the unit's administration.

    Newborn Critical Care Unit
    (801) 662-4100
    The Newborn CCU provides specialized care for newborn infants in need of intensive medical services. Visiting is restricted. The care is provided by a multi-disciplinary team including neonatologists (physicians trained in conditions of newborn babies), all the general and subspecialty surgeons, specialized nurses, pharmacists, lab technicians, respiratory therapists, medical social workers, and a parent coordinator.

    Pediatric Critical Care Unit
    (801) 662-2400
    The Pediatric ICU provides intensive medical care to children of all ages. Patients who have suffered from an accident or have had major surgery such as neurosurgery, open heart or organ transplant, or who are too unstable to be on a medical unit will be placed in ICU. Visiting is restricted.

    The care is provided by a multi-disciplinary team including pediatric intensivists (physicians trained in pediatric intensive care medicine), cardiologists, general pediatric surgeons, surgical subspecialists, specialized nurses, pharmacists, respiratory therapists, child life and medical social workers.

    Neuroscience / Trauma Unit
    (801) 662-2200
    The Neuroscience / Trauma Unit specializes in treating children from infancy through age 18 with neurological, trauma, orthopedic and rehabilitation needs. The NTU staff cares for children with mild to severe brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, brain tumor resections, hydrocephalus, seizure disorders, surgery, injuries to the skeletal system, and debilitating illnesses and diseases. Children are also admitted for invasive and non-invasive diagnostic testing. Patients that are more severely injured and require longer inpatient stays may receive rehabilitation services such as physical, occupational, and speech therapy.

 Daily Life in the Hospital

Rounds
The staff makes "rounds" (walking from room to room) to assess daily progress and update each child's plan of care. Rounds are generally done each morning. During rounds physicians will come by either individually or in a group to review your child's progress. Patients will be examined and their situation discussed with parents, nurses and other physicians. You are encouraged to be present for rounds. At the completion of rounds, your child's physician may be available to answer questions about your child's progress. If your doctor isn't able to talk to you then, ask him or her to indicate another time during the day for a conversation about your child.

Shift Change
Most of the nursing staff work 12-hour shifts. At shift changes (7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.) nurses are busy reporting patient information to the incoming staff. If you have an immediate need during shift change, please make it known. If the need can wait a short time, please discuss it with the nurse after shift change is completed.

If your child is in the Newborn Critical Care Unit: Families are not allowed to visit during change of shift report, between 6:45 and 7:45 a.m. and between 6:45 and 7:45 p.m.

If your child is in the Pediatric Critical Care Unit: Families are not allowed to visit during change of shift report, between 6:30 and 8:00 a.m. and between 7:00 and 8:00 p.m.

Medications
All medications must be ordered by your physician. If you bring medications from home with you, please show them to the nurse. You will be advised what to do with them. All medications must be given or supervised by a nurse.

Please do not give any medications without authorization from your physician or nurse.

Isolation
Please check with a nurse before entering an isolation room. The nurse will explain the type of isolation and any precautions that should be taken. Good hand washing is essential before entering and after leaving the room.

Playrooms/Bedside Activities
Playrooms are available for patient use. If your child is unable to leave his room, child-life specialists will provide age-appropriate toys and activities. Ask your nurse to page the child life.
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