Pediatric Hospital Care

Having a Level 3 Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) means helping the tiniest miracles defy the odds. Our team of experts is fully equipped to handle premature babies around-the-clock. In addition, our Neonatal Transport Team cares for newborns while being transferred by ambulance or helicopter throughout the Tri-state Region.

For critically ill or injured children, our Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) brings the highest level of care close to home. The presence of specially trained pediatric critical care physicians, plus the collaboration of other pediatric specialists and cross-trained nurses, provide the most comprehensive care in our region.

Our La Crosse Hospital offers advanced medical care for children in a family-friendly atmosphere. Here, you’ll find a 10-bed Pediatric Unit staffed 24/7 by pediatric hospitalists—doctors who specialize in overseeing the care of children in hospitals. For your convenience, our rooms have ample space for you to stay overnight with your little one.

Hospital stays aren’t easy, but our child life specialists will make your child’s stay more comfortable, fun and even memorable. We commonly use play and other techniques to help kids cope with procedures, express fears and increase cooperation. To donate toys or other items to Child Life Services, please see our guidelines and online form

Is your child having surgery soon? Our free Teddy Bear Care Pre-Surgery Tours—led by certified child life specialists—will introduce your child to the unfamiliar sights and sounds of the hospital before they come in for surgery. A tour is a great way to decrease anxiety and increase your child’s understanding about what will happen the day of surgery.

We offer hotel-style room service—always taking your child’s age and dietary needs into consideration. Families and visitors have several options for meals on our La Crosse Campus and nearby. Ask your child's nurse about guest trays if you’d prefer to order room service for yourself.

Staying in the hospital can be a scary time for kids, but visits from family and friends can help make it easier. Please review our latest COVID-19 visitor restrictions before planning your visit. All visitors must wear a name badge available at the Hospital Information Desk.

What better way to provide a distraction during your child’s hospital stay than with a visit to our indoor pediatric playroom or Elston Memorial Playground (across from the hospital’s main entrance). If your child is unable to enjoy the playroom or playground, our child life specialists are happy to bring activities to your child’s room.

We know a child’s illness can be overwhelming. We also know managing the condition can be expensive. We can help provide financial support if your child is facing chronic illness, trauma or disability. We help families that live in our 25-county service area, no matter where they receive care.

Our interactive GetWellNetwork helps keep today’s tech-savvy kids engaged in their care while hospitalized. You and your child control the system right from the hospital bed using either a wireless keyboard or pillow speaker. With the GetWellNetwork, you can:

• View short patient education videos with your child
• Watch TV, check email and Facebook, surf the web and play games
• Enjoy on-demand movies, at no charge
• Unwind with ambient sounds and scenes in our relaxation videos

Should you need lodging during your child’s hospital stay, we offer on-campus accommodations. Gundersen Hotel & Suites, owned by Premier Hotel Properties, Inc., is connected via underground concourse to our hospital campus. Special patient and family rates are available.