If your family has welcomed a baby who needed neonatal intensive care, you know how crucial these services are. Children’s of Alabama, located in Birmingham, has taken a big step to support Alabama’s most vulnerable infants by expanding its neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Now offering 54 private rooms, the unit provides specialized care for newborns and infants requiring advanced medical attention.
What the NICU Expansion Means for Families
The Children’s of Alabama NICU is one of the most advanced facilities in the region. This Level IV NICU now includes six additional beds, offering a total of 54 private rooms designed to prioritize family-centered care. With this expansion, more families can access high-level care, reducing wait times for critical and surgical cases.
Advanced Facilities to Support Complex Needs
This expansion includes:
- Four ECMO Rooms: Providing life-saving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for the most critical cases.
- Dialysis for Premature Infants: The only NICU in Alabama equipped for this service.
- Specialized Equipment: Dedicated nurse stations, milk storage areas, and equipment rooms ensure top-quality care.
According to Jill Jones Smith, NICU Director at Children’s of Alabama, “These extra bassinets will help alleviate wait times and allow us to provide faster care for patients and families in need.”
Caring for Over 400 Infants Each Year
The NICU’s team of 250 specialists provides care for more than 400 newborns annually. They treat a wide range of conditions for infants from birth to age two. The private room model not only ensures top-notch medical care but also enhances family comfort during challenging times.
Why It Matters
With a history of record-breaking patient volumes, the NICU expansion comes at a critical time. The upgraded facilities and increased capacity mean families across Alabama can access life-saving care when they need it most.
