Baptist Memorial Health Care Foundation hosted an event on Thursday, Aug. 15 at the Spence and Becky Wilson Baptist Children’s Hospital to unveil enhancements to the Newborn Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Every surface of the NICU was updated to help with prevention of infections and noise reduction, as well as to offer better workflow for team members. Baptist leaders, community advisory board members and donors, including Spence and Becky Wilson, toured the NICU during the event.
On average, NICU and Step-down unit team members care for up to 60 babies each day, and approximately 15% of the births at Baptist Memorial Hospital for Women each year are admitted to the NICU. The renovations will enhance infection prevention for these patients by increasing the number of solid and freshly coated surfaces that can stand up to rigorous cleaning. All countertops were replaced with solid-surface countertops and new cabinetry was installed. All walls and trim were painted. Flooring was replaced and glass recovered.
“During the renovations, our providers, nurses and care teams did a wonderful job of accommodating families with little to no disruption,” said Allison Bosse, CEO and administrator of Baptist Women’s Hospital and Baptist Children’s Hospital. “Everyone is pleased with the new look and function of the space. The staff and physicians have refreshed areas for work and rest, and families have enjoyed the calm surroundings.”
NICU mom Alexus Drone demonstrated Kangaroo care during the event using one of the new comfortable Kangaroo recliners. NICU Nurse Kimberly Cox provided education in the area where Alexus was located, which included acoustic ceiling tiles to help reduce noise and dimmers to adjust the amount of light above beds. All the updates help provide a more peaceful and restful space for moms and babies.
NICU renovations also include changes to the flow of the milk supply room and medication room, new sinks, workstations for additional providers, updated breakrooms and a refreshed physician sleep room. In the future, the NICU Step-down unit will have all new furniture to accommodate parents so they can stay with their babies prior to discharge.
As the number of patients in the NICU continues to grow, so do the needs of the NICU. Baptist Foundation, with the help of donors and team members, remains committed to supporting the NICU.
