For Patients and Visitors

Transitional Care Unit

Children’s Hospital’s Transitional Care Unit (TCU) serves children from birth to age 21. Its services bridge the care gap for children who require a high level of specialized nursing care, yet no longer need acute hospitalization. The TCU admits children transported from other facilities or from home. Categories of care and examples of diagnoses meeting admission criteria include:

  • Neonate with Complications of Prematurity - Apnea of prematurity; bronchopulmonary dysplasia; short gut syndrome or malabsorption; oxygen dependency; dysfunctional feeding
  • Subacute Rehabilitation - Spinal cord injury or traumatic brain injury, not requiring acute rehabilitation; coma emergence
  • Subacute Medical - Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN) or Intravenous (IV) therapy; frequent respiratory therapy; ventilator dependent; complex wound care; complex ostomy care
  • Supportive Care - Subacute medical/complex needs for palliative or long-term care

In general, most patients must meet at least one of the following criteria for TCU admission:

  • At least 1.5, but less than 3, hours of therapy
  • TPN or IV medication administration
  • Ventilator or specialized equipment such as respiratory cardiac monitors
  • Complex wound care at least twice daily
  • Frequent respiratory therapy
  • Complex ostomy care
  • Care for terminal illness

The TCU provides state-of-the-art, comprehensive, family-centered care designed specifically for children/adolescents. Length of stay varies depending on child and family’s need.

Family-Centered Care...TCU staff members focus on the needs of the family, creating a friendly, supportive and comfortable environment. Specialists work with a child’s family to involve family members in child’s care or prepare for transition through collaborative planning, education and training. Providing opportunities for family involvement is a priority as families are guided toward reaching a comfort level in providing care. Accommodations are made for a parent to stay in the child’s room allowing opportunities for hands-on education. Local lodging resources, such as the Ronald McDonald House and Hospital Hospitality House, Inc., allow families to stay nearby.

A Team Approach...A full interdisciplinary team of pediatric health care experts provides care for every child. Led by an attending physician responsible for directing clinical care, discharge planning and transition, the team includes all necessary service providers as determined by the child’s individualized treatment plan. Recognizing the important role of the family, treatment teams work directly with family members as they provide coordinated services, consultation, referral, support and counseling. Family support groups are held regularly. Case Managers work with families in all areas of concern including social and financial issues.

Many children who come to the TCU have wide ranges of medical needs and appropriate physician specialists are available to attend and/or consult based on clinical need. Skilled nursing care is available for those who depend on adjuncts such as tracheostomy tubes or ventilators. Respiratory care services are provided by a specially-trained staff of respiratory therapists who offer a high level of experience and strong backgrounds in home care and intensive care. Follow-up and consultative care is available through outpatient services.

Always Child-Friendly...As a pediatric facility, care at Children’s Hospital is exclusively tailored for children and adolescents. The TCU team creates a comfortable environment filled with activities— therapeutic play, educational programming, community outings, etc.—designed to ensure a developmentally-appropriate childhood experience and help each child reach their full potential.

Related Pediatric Specialty Services:

  • Assistive Technology
  • Certified Rehabilitation Nursing
  • Chaplain
  • Children’s Feeding Program
  • Clinical Laboratory Services
  • Education (special ed. teachers on-site)
  • Motion Analysis
  • Nutrition Services
  • Occupational, Physical and Speech Therapy
  • Pediatrician and Physiatrist on Staff
  • Pediatric Hospital Services
  • Physician Specialist Services
  • Psychology and Neuropsychology
  • Radiology
  • Respiratory Therapy (24-hour, in-house)
  • Skilled Nursing Care
  • Therapeutic Recreation

    For referrals and information, call Case Management at (804) 228-5962.

    • The information on this site is provided for informational and educational purposes only; it does not contain specific medical advice. If you have specific health questions or problems, consult a health care professional for personal medical advice.