Mercy Makes NICU More Family Friendly
The ICU is never a place a parent wants to see their child, especially right after they are born. That's why Mercy tried to make their new NICU, phase one of which is set to open this month, as family friendly as possible.
Mercy’s former 28-bed NICU was one large room with infant beds sharing space with family members, scrub areas and the nurses’ stations.
According to a press release Mercy says the new NICU features individual family rooms—including larger “twin” rooms for multiple-birth families.
Large sliding glass doors and the latest technology mean nurses can still keep a constant watch over the babies, but their families will also be able to stay with their newborns.
Hospital officials say that's good for both parent's peace of mind and babies health.
“Studies have shown that premature babies in individual rooms stay in the hospital for less time, they gain weight faster, and they have less risk of infection,” said Dr. Melinda Slack, medical director for the nursery at Mercy Hospital Springfield.
“The research also shows there’s less stress for the parents, who feel like they have their own space and a role in their child’s care.”
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