The NICU is a secured unit and all parents and visitors must use the phone before entering the unit. Just pick up the phone that is mounted on the wall outside the main entrance to the NICU and it will ring into the unit. Entrance and exit of the NICU is through the unit's main door only. Occasionally you may be asked to wait before entering the NICU because of the care required by the infants in the nursery.
The NICU is divided up into separate ‘pods’, referred to as “Nursery A”,” Nursery B”, “Nursery C”, Nursery D” and Nursery E”. Your baby will be located in one of these nurseries with other infants requiring specialized care. The nursery letter (A, B, C, D) does not reflect the level of care that your child requires. However, Nursery E is designated for older critically ill pediatric children that need special breathing assistance. Please note, your baby may be moved from one nursery pod to another throughout their stay with us. We recommend that you check in at the nursing station each time you come to visit your baby.
There is a NICU Family Room across the hallway from the unit where families and visitors can gather, as well as rest. It is equipped with a fridge, telephone, microwave, a bathroom, a computer and toys for siblings. This is also the location for our NICU information sessions for families. These occur every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 1 to 2 p.m.
There is a NICU Care by Parent Room located beside the family room that is provided for you and your baby just prior to discharge. This is an opportunity for parents to spend time with their baby alone and to get to know their infant's cues prior to going home. When you are in this room, you will be expected to provide all care for your infant. However, the NICU team will be close by to offer support.
There is a Breast Pumping Room across from the nursing station on Kidd 5 for breastfeeding mothers to use. There are supplies in the room to assist in your pumping. Please ask for a breast pumping kit from your bedside nurse.
