General Pediatrics

When your child needs hospital care, our general pediatrics unit at OSF HealthCare Children’s Hospital of Illinois offers compassionate care in a supportive and kid-friendly environment. From general health concerns to more complex medical issues, we’re ready to help your child feel better, supporting your whole family along the way.

What is general pediatrics?

A general pediatrics unit provides medical care for a wide range of illnesses and injuries that don’t require intensive care. This unit often treats kids who have more short-term needs, like severe dehydration, viral infections or recovery from surgery, but also treats kids with more complex medical needs.

Understanding Your Child’s Care Team

Your child’s care team includes pediatric hospitalists, nurses and medical residents, all specially trained to care for kids in the hospital. They provide expert, compassionate care tailored to your child’s needs.

Your Child's Care Team

Accessing the Unit

Your child's safety is our top priority. Our unit is always locked and all parents, caregivers and visitors must get a badge before entering the unit. If you are transferred from another unit, your badge will need to be updated to the new unit to gain access. With your badge, you can come and go as needed.

Direct Admit to Unit

Your child’s pediatrician or specialist may identify a medical issue that requires hospital care and arrange for them to be admitted. When you arrive with your child, you’ll need to stop at the welcome desk on the first floor where you’ll receive a badge that will allow you to access the unit.

Transferred from Emergency Room or Surgery

Your child may be transferred to the general pediatrics unit after being in the emergency department or following surgery During this transition, you will stay with your child. The first time you leave the unit, you will need to stop at the welcome desk on the first floor and request a badge to get back on the unit.

Arrived on an Ambulance or OSF LifeFlight

If your child is brought to the hospital by ambulance or OSF LifeFlight, they may be taken directly to a room. When you arrive, you’ll need to stop at the welcome desk on the first floor, where you’ll get your child’s room number and a badge to access the unit.

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Room Amenities

Our 22-bed general pediatrics unit is designed to make your experience a little easier.

Your child will have a private room where parents and guardians can stay overnight. Each room has an Xbox and access to movies and games through the Get Well Network.

The unit features a full playroom with toys for younger kids, as well as a teen lounge with arcade games and gaming systems for older kids.

Dining Options

Your child can choose from a variety of kid-friendly meal options throughout their stay. One parent or caregiver can also order a meal for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Parents and caregivers can also eat at any of our on-campus dining options.

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Places to Stay

If you and your family need a place to stay, there are several trusted facilities that OSF Children’s Hospital works closely with.

A home-like setting for families near the hospital, including a kitchen, dining room, toy store, game room, arts & crafts room and playground.

Explore Ronald McDonald House

With a serene environment, caring staff and 24-hour access, it’s a "home away from home" during your hospital stay.

Find Out More About Family House

This facility works closely with OSF Children’s Hospital and offers patients and their families a discount.

Explore the Holiday Inn

OSF Children’s Hospital partners with the Hampton Inn to offer patients and their families a discount.

Explore the Hampton Inn

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Working Together for Your Child’s Care

While in the hospital, your child’s day-to-day care will be managed by a pediatric hospitalist. They will work closely with other providers, including surgeons, neurologists and the Pediatric Diabetes Resource Center, depending on your child’s needs.