KANSAS CITY, KAN. ? The University of Kansas Hospital has reopened its pediatric intensive care unit, saying it has eliminated staffing concerns that closed the unit this summer.

Hospital officials announced Monday they had developed a plan for expanding the unit, including increased partnership with the School of Medicine for staffing.

“Our commitment to pediatrics at the University of Kansas Hospital is stronger than ever,” CEO Irene Cumming said in a statement. “The hospital is working closely with the pediatric medical staff to ensure the reopened unit will provide the highest level of care.”

Dennis McCulloch, a hospital spokesman, said the unit closed because low patient volumes had convinced nurses to leave for other jobs.

“They weren’t able to keep up their skills,” he said.

While the unit was closed, some pediatric patients were treated in other intensive care units at the hospital, while others were transferred to Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City, Mo., McCulloch said.

He said the unit, which has five beds, now has a plan for future growth in partnership with the School of Medicine’s pediatric program. That, he said, should convince nurses to work there, and increased marketing for the unit should attract patients.

Dr. Barbara Atkinson, executive dean of the School of Medicine, said the reopening was good for the medical school as well.

“Medical students and residents benefit by being exposed to the full spectrum of pediatric care, from the clinical visit to intensive care,” Atkinson said. “I am pleased all entities on campus were able to work together to ensure a quality pediatric intensive care unit and a quality education experience for students and residents.”