Progressive Care Unit (PCU)

The Progressive Care Unit (PCU or 7 West) at St. Louis Children's Hospital specializes in the care of children with heart and/or lung disease or whom have undergone heart or lung surgery. Our PCU is a 26-bed cardiology/transplant step-down unit. The Progressive Care Unit transitions the patient and family from the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit (CICU) to home. The transition begins with parents and physicians working together to determine the best possible course of care for the child. This means involving parents in the planning, delivery and evaluation of care the child receives. We recognize the vital role the family plays and encourage parent-to-parent support. Patient and family education is woven into everyday life on the unit and includes hands-on learning. This allows parents and families to feel comfortable and confident in the transition and caring for their child at home.

The patient population of the PCU consists of patients of all ages. Some of the various diagnoses that are treated in the PCU include:

• Patients with Congenital Heart Defects
• Patients with chronic heart/lung disease
• Cardiothoracic Surgery patients pre and post surgery after CICU stay
• Patients pre and post Cardiac Catheterization
• Patients with Cardiomyopathy
• Patients requiring inotropic infusion.
• Patients requiring ventricular assist devices
• Patients who are ventilator dependant
• Heart Transplant
• Lung Transplant
• Heart/Lung Transplant

The PCU Patient Care Team includes registered nurses, nurse practitioners, physicians, registered dieticians, physician assistants, pastoral services, social workers, physical and occupational therapists, child life specialists, clinical nurse educators, pharmacists, patient care associates, unit secretaries, transplant coordinators, house staff assistants, respiratory therapists and home care coordinators.