Revolutionizing Pediatric Critical Care at Safra Children’s Hospital

Under Dr. Reut Kassif’s leadership, the unit blends advanced technology, multidisciplinary teamwork, and family-centered care to manage complex and rare pediatric conditions. This approach has positioned Sheba among Newsweek’s World’s Best Specialized Hospitals 2026 in Pediatrics.

Israel’s Largest Pediatric ICU

As Israel’s largest PICU, Sheba handles a high volume of challenging pediatric cases, building unmatched clinical expertise. The unit leads nationally in Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) for severe heart and lung failure, combining scale, specialization, and responsibility to advance pediatric critical care standards.

Dr. Reut Kassif, Director of the PICU and Head of the Pediatric ECMO Program, defines the unit’s mission:

“My mission is to lead comprehensive, evidence-based, compassionate, transformative expert care, fostering a multidisciplinary approach to ensure optimal outcome and hope for critically ill children and their families.”

Predictive Monitoring Technology

In critical care, Dr. Kassif emphasizes proactive prevention: “In a high-acuity environment, excellence is measured by the ability to predict, not just react.” Sheba integrates real-time video monitoring, ambient listening, and AI-driven analytics to track patient status continuously within clinical workflows.

These tools detect early warning signs, such as subtle movements in a mechanically ventilated child at risk of self-extubation. Video analytics identified the risk pattern, enabling immediate intervention to prevent a life-threatening complication. Video-based incident reviews further strengthen protocols through structured learning and accountability.

Family-Centered Care

Beyond technology, Sheba prioritizes emotional support for patients and families. Real-time communication tools keep parents informed, reducing uncertainty during crises. Personalized care plans integrate clinical data with individual needs, replacing standardized approaches with tailored strategies.

Dr. Kassif highlights this holistic focus:

“We are shifting the focus towards a more holistic and family-centered approach to care. Recognizing the emotional and psychological needs of both the children and their families significantly improves overall well-being.”

Research and Pain Management

Sheba’s PICU drives research in ECMO outcomes, pediatric cardiac surgery, burns care, and transformative treatment models to improve survival and long-term recovery. The Acute Pain Service (APS) provides specialized pain control, reducing complications, supporting mobility, and accelerating recovery through expert physicians and nurses.
These efforts translate directly into patient care, positioning Sheba as a global learning center for technology-integrated pediatric critical care.

Excellence Through Integration

At Safra Children’s Hospital, advanced monitoring, clinical volume, research, and family involvement create a unified care model for complex cases. This balance of innovation and compassion establishes Sheba as a destination for pediatric critical care excellence.