Renovated newborn intensive care unit is largest in nation

Newborn Intensive Care Units can be intimidating for new parents. The unit is often busy, with a lot of activity, bright lighting and beeping monitors. For a baby who is born too soon, that chaotic environment can jeopardize their well-being.

Studies show that environmental features that mimic the womb improve outcomes for fragile infants - in a quiet, clutter-free environment where state-of-the-art care can be delivered.

Groundbreaking design elements and new technologies include:

Individualized thermostats to regulate temperature
Sound-dampening doors, and specially designed floor and ceiling tiles to minimize noise
Adjustable lighting controls
Comfortable chairs in private rooms to encourage cuddling, so parents can bond with their babies
Ample space for hospital staff to deliver care efficiently with minimal disruption to families
Individual refrigerators and freezers for breast milk and formula
Family support spaces with waiting areas, sibling play areas, lounge areas with dining space, plus restrooms, showers and laundry facilities
Experienced NICU specialists, sub-specialists and nurses, all extensively trained to care for babies born prematurely and/or with complex medical conditions
State-of-the-art integrated technologies that allow staff to monitor patients from anywhere in the unit. Nurses are able to instantly connect with patients, receive patient alerts directly from the room and even check if the patient is suffering from an acute or dangerous condition through telemetry
A musical smoke alarm - the first of its kind in Arizona. In collaboration with the City of Phoenix, this system plays instrumental music in patient care areas without the use of strobe lights. This notification system minimizes disturbances to infants and utilizes a calming voice to alert staff of the type and location of smoke alarm. The music alarm automatically activates Banner Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center's fire alarm system.

More than 1,500 babies from all over the country are admitted annually to Phoenix Children's NICU. The nursery is a level III unit, which offers the highest level of care and the most experienced staff.

The majority of the NICU patients are premature, some as much as 16 weeks early, weighing barely one pound. These "preemies" are frequently born with an array of medical conditions relating to their immaturity including respiratory distress syndrome, congenital heart defects and underdeveloped digestive and neurological systems. Other babies are born full-term but suffer from infections, fetal alcohol syndrome, birth defects, drug addictions or have other complications from traumatic birth.

The NICU increased its size from 8,800 square feet to 38,600 square feet. The cutting-edge design, technology and safety, contributing to one of the nation's highest newborn survival rate.