Pediatric Medical Unit (PMU)

The Pediatric Medical Unit (PMU) is patients from very young infants to teenagers who require hospital admission for a variety of medical reasons.

What to expect

The PMU is a 24-bed unit (private single patient rooms) on 7North at the IWK. Pediatric Medical Services also includes the Pediatric Consultation Clinic (located on the first floor) and the Pediatric Medicine Day Treatment Unit (located in the Medical Day Assessment and Treatment Unit, second floor).

Your child will have a set schedule each day to help make it as easy as possible for your child to get the necessary care and rest. Your child’s nurse will pop in on a regular basis to check on your child and accompany you and your child for any tests or procedures. Your child’s doctor(s) will also stop by at least once a day. Be sure to let us know if you are taking your child out for a walk so we can make sure your child doesn’t miss anything important. 

To make your child’s room feel comfy and cozy, you may want to bring a few special things from home like a blanket, a stuffed animal or a picture. There are a few things in your room already – of course, there is a bed and a bathroom with a shower, but there’s also a reclining chair, possibly a mini fridge, and an extra bed for family members who choose to stay with their child.  We supply towels and linens, but ask that you bring along your child’s health card, PJs, toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, extra clothes, laundry detergent, diapers and formula.

As a parent or guardian, you can stay with your child at all times during your child’s stay with us. The rest of the family and friends can visit at anytime, as long as you or your child give permission. The IWK does not have set “visiting hours.” 

Who you’ll meet

The Pediatric Medical Team is a large team of friendly people all caring for patients and families while in hospital. Some members include:

• Registered Nurses
• Licensed Practical Nurses
• Pharmacists
• Social Workers
• Staff Physicians
• Pediatric Residents and Clinical Clerks
• Physiotherapist
• Unit Aides
• Ward Clerk
• Respiratory Therapist
• Medical Learners (Students)

School teachers  
PMU care team will provide support for you and your child during admission assisting you in becoming an active member in your child’s care and care decisions as much as possible.  

Your child’s nurse
During your child’s stay with us, you'll have one nurse dedicated to taking care of your child at all times. You can look at the big whiteboard at the nurses’ station to see which nurse you have. Nurses work 12 hours shifts and change shifts between 6:30 - 7:30 a.m./p.m. That hour is a busy time for nurses exchanging information regarding patients on PMU.  

We are a teaching unit, which means you will see many student physicians, nurses and other health care learners during your stay. These learners will help to provide care to you/your child.