A big transformation in care is coming to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at the new St. Paul’s Hospital. We’re strengthening our family-centered care by providing families with private rooms so they can have their own space to rest and be close to their babies.
The current NICU uses a ‘nursery-style’ model of care where families share a communal room. Parents need to wheel or walk over to the NICU in order to see their baby, which can be challenging for those who have postpartum complications. When the parent and baby are ready to be brought together, they stay in their portion of the room, which they may share with up to eight or nine other families.
The shift to a ‘family-centered’ model means that the birthing person and baby can be cared for in the same space and at the same time. The goal is to create a much more relaxed, comfortable, and private environment for every family, no matter the length of their stay.
The mock-up process is helping frontline stakeholders provide feedback on the new space to ensure it will work for patients and staff.
NICU rooms will also include:
- Space for 1-2 incubators
- Sliding glass doors for privacy
- An additional privacy screen within the room
What are mock rooms? Mock rooms are life-size model mock-ups of key spaces in the new St. Paul’s Hospital. They are used to fine-tune designs and catch any issues before the hospital is built. Designs are subject to change. Want to watch more mock room tours? Click here.
