Some babies are born needing special care. Premature babies, newborns with congenital conditions or those who have a difficult transition to life outside their mother are all cared for in the Edward Hospital Newborn Intensive Care Unit (NICU).
Edward Hospital first in region with private NICU rooms
Edward Hospital is opening 22 private Newborn Intensive Care Unit (NICU) rooms to care for premature newborns. The rooms provide parents with space, comfort and privacy for treatment and consultation with doctors and nurses. Edward is the first hospital in the western suburbs with private NICU rooms.
PHOTOS: EDWARD HOSPITAL'S PRIVATE NICU ROOMS
Edward's Level III NICU, meaning it can treat the sickest and most fragile newborns, is the largest in DuPage County and treats 400 babies a year.
The new private rooms, on the 2nd floor of Edward Hospital, are 200 square feet each and have the latest in high-tech equipment for close monitoring of newborns by nurses and doctors. Edward's NICU was previously comprised of three separate nursery settings in which multiple newborns were cared for in each room.
There are two sets of rooms that connect so sick twins or multiples can be treated together and parents can be near all of the babies. There is also one larger room to accommodate triplets.
Each room features a computer and Internet access, light/temperature controls, two oversized chairs for parents (one which can be used as a bed), a refrigerator for breast milk, closets and natural light.
In addition, the NICU floor features a large family waiting room (which was not available before), a parent/physician conference room, a nourishment room with two large freezers for breast milk and two expanded nurses stations. Edward's NICU has 63 nurses and 12 support staff members.
NICU families also have access to the Ronald McDonald Family Room, the first of its kind in Illinois, a place for parents to rest and regroup when they're at Edward with their sick children. The Family Room has a living room, relaxation areas, kitchen, two computer stations with Internet access, two sleeping rooms, showers and a playroom for patients and siblings.
In the Edward NICU your baby will be cared for by some of the best medical, nursing and ancillary care available. Learn more about the NICU team as well as what to expect in the NICU in the links below.
NICU Team - Our specially trained team of physicians, nurses, and other health care professionals provide the care needed to treat your infant. In addition to providing care for your child, this team can answer your questions and help diminish your fears. Please feel free to ask questions at any time. Meet our team.
Special Equipment - A variety of equipment is used to monitor your newborn's oxygen level, heart rate, and respiration. While the continuous beeping of monitors and other equipment can be disturbing, it gives vital information to caregivers so they can provide the best care possible. Learn more about this equipment.
Bed Spaces - Your baby is admitted to our main NICU room. Please be aware that your baby may be moved to a different bed space or room during their stay, depending on acuity and staffing for the unit.
Guidelines - Learn about NICU visiting hours, therapeutic handling, handwashing and bringing things from home. Click here.
Important Phone Numbers Because of the importance of maintaining ongoing communication between parents and staff, parents can call the unit any time to talk with their baby's nurse. Your baby's nurse will also call parents in the morning and evening to give them an update of their baby's condition. Please make sure we have a phone number so we can reach you at all times. Information will only be given to parents.
Our 24-hour phone number is (630) 527-3234. The South Intermediate Care Nursery phone number is (630) 527-7307.
CarePages Edward understands how important it is to have your family and friends close to you when you or a loved one are hospitalized or having a baby. That’s why we offer you CarePages – a private, personalized web page – for your use. Visitors to your CarePage send you messages of encouragement, giving hope and strength even in the most difficult situations. You can also update family and friends at the same time without repeated phone calls. CarePages don’t have an expiration date. Your CarePage works for as long as you want it to. CarePages are private and password protected to comply with all patient privacy regulations. Creating a CarePage is easy! To get started, click on the CarePages logo to get started or visit the CarePages website.
Going Home When your baby is ready to go home we will give you appropriate referrals for follow-up and home care based on the special needs of your infant and family. All babies are required to have a hearing screen before discharge and some babies will need a car seat test before discharge. Feel free to ask questions that will help prepare you for taking your baby home. Learn more about breastfeeding support, infant CPR, NICU scrapbooking and more.
