Wednesday, July 26, 2023
Phoenix Children's Hospital, recognized as one of the nation's fastest-growing pediatric health systems, has exciting plans for a new neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at its Thomas Campus. Spanning an area of 44,000 square feet, this cutting-edge facility is scheduled to open its doors next year. The project is part of a series of expansion initiatives underway at the Thomas Campus and is set to be located on the 11th floor of the patient tower.
Upon its completion in 2024, this new NICU will maintain its distinction as Arizona's only American Academy of Pediatrics-designated Level IV NICU. This prestigious designation signifies the highest level of medical care available for the most complex neonatal conditions, catering to the sickest and most premature newborns. The hospital has taken great care in designing the new NICU to ensure it meets the specialized needs of vulnerable newborns, with large and comfortable patient rooms featuring private bathrooms for parents and caregivers. The facility will also have cribs equipped to handle emergency procedures and an optimized floor plan to enable quick access for medical teams, as the medical status of these fragile infants can change rapidly.
The NICU at Phoenix Children's Hospital — Thomas Campus will continue to provide around-the-clock care for infants with complex conditions, including birth injuries, chromosomal anomalies, congenital heart disease, drug exposures, and infant infections. Additionally, the facility will house Arizona's only neuro-NICU, providing advanced care for babies with brain or neurological conditions. It will also host the Newborn Early Screening Team (NEST) Clinic, a program focused on ensuring premature and at-risk babies receive the care and support they need from infancy through early childhood.
The new NICU will offer 48 spacious private rooms, each equipped with a crib, window, and private bathroom. It will also include comfortable sleeper couches for parents and caregivers, and the patient rooms will be well-prepared for emergency and advanced treatments at the bedside. The floor plan will be designed for efficient patient care, allowing clinician’s quick access to patients and easy transport to radiology, the operating room, and other ancillary areas. The facility will additionally feature a multipurpose room for physical and occupational therapy, along with convenient amenities such as washers, dryers, refrigerators, and sinks for patient families to use. A family lounge and quiet areas will be provided for parents to work or relax while staying close to their newborns.
Phoenix Children's Hospital's commitment to excellent neonatology services extends beyond its main campus. Through its partnership with Dignity Health, the hospital provides medical care in the neonatal intensive care units at Chandler Regional Medical Center, Mercy Gilbert Medical Center, and St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center. Furthermore, a Level IIIB NICU will be introduced at Phoenix Children's Hospital — East Valley in Gilbert to further enhance access to top-tier neonatal care for families in the region.
Source: prnewswire.com
