NICU

We work in partnership with Nemours Children's Hospital so we can provide you with the right specialists for your baby's specific needs. Our healthcare team includes:

• Case managers
• Consulting specialty physicians
• Dedicated NICU nurses
• Licensed occupational, speech and physical therapists
• Neonatologists
• Nurse practitioners
• Nutritionists
• Pediatric clinical pharmacists
• Radiology technicians
• Respiratory therapists
• Social workers
• Ultrasound technicians

Having your baby in the NICU hospital is an emotional time. We understand your concerns about your baby's condition and about being separated from your baby. We also understand the challenges of having a newborn who is sick or born prematurely. Our neonatologists and NICU nurses will be with you every step of the way.

Admitting your child to the NICU

While your child is being admitted to the NICU, you will be involved in your baby's care. However, it may take some time before you can visit your child in the NICU, as our team will need to complete an assessment of your baby's condition and medical needs. This is for your baby's safety and well-being. It ensures we can get them the best care as fast as possible.

Once the assessment is done, you and your family will be shown to your child's room. The NICU team will explain the care being provided to your child and answer any questions you have.

A safe, family-centered unit

Our NICU is a high-security unit. We make the safety of all newborns in our care a top priority. Our NICU includes a family room for immediate family. Mothers also have access to a dedicated sleeping room for baby and themselves prior to discharge from the NICU.

If your baby requires a stay in our NICU, we will keep you informed by explaining all routines and procedures to you. We make every effort to keep you informed about your child's condition and answer any questions you have.

Infection control

To prevent your child from being exposed to infection, all visitors are required to wash their hands for two minutes before entering the NICU. It is important for visitors to remove all hand and wrist jewelry before washing their hands. Visitors are also require to put on protective gowns.

Neonatal technology and equipment

Whatever needs your child has, we are here to meet them. To do this, our NICU has advanced technology and medical equipment.

Please feel free to ask our staff any questions you have about the equipment being used in treating your child. We are here to help and support your entire family.

To promote bonding with your child, we encourage parents and grandparents to visit any time. We invite you to attend daily physician rounds about your baby. We politely ask that you refrain from visiting during shift change which takes place daily from 6:30am to 7:30am and 6:30pm to 7:30pm daily.

Here are some general NICU visitation guidelines to keep in mind:

• Because of the nature of intensive care, bedside visits should be limited to two family members at a time.
• Big brothers and sisters are allowed to visit but should be two years old or older.
• Siblings and other visitors with a cold, fever, runny nose, open cut or sore should not visit the NICU.
• At certain times during treatment, it may be necessary for doctors and nurses to spend prolonged periods of time at your baby's bedside. During these situations, visitation may be interrupted. We ask for your cooperation and understanding during times when specialized care is being provided.