Reimagining the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Nearly 300 babies are admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at ProHealth Waukesha Memorial Hospital each year. Many of these babies are born with breathing problems, infections and other potentially life-threatening conditions.

Research shows that these tiny babies thrive when their surroundings are designed to meet their ever-changing needs. Single-room suites result in improved sleep and lower infection rates. Family-centered care allows parents to be part of the care team.

This new model of care results in a decreased length of stay, increased breastfeeding rates and improved bonding with the infant.

These findings fueled the need to reimagine our NICU to better accommodate our smallest patients and their families, and spurred the renovation of the NICU and obstetrics operating rooms at the hospital.

Pandemic inspires innovative design

The pandemic underscored the safety challenges of managing patient care in an open unit rather than one with private rooms. Our new private rooms will allow parents to spend more time with their babies in a way that was not possible when we had to adjust visitation for everyone's safety.

Two new surgical suites offer the optimal delivery of care

As part of the project, two new surgical suites will be added near the birthing unit, allowing for quick response times when C-sections are needed. A post-surgical recovery room will be updated with new equipment and workstations for optimal care delivery.

Making a difference

Each day, our patients entrust the health of their babies to us. It is an honor to care for them, and we work to ensure that area residents have the resources they need to be healthy and have healthy babies.

We thank those who have generously supported this undertaking, and invite others to join us in our efforts through a donation to support the NICU & Obstetrics Operating Room renovation project.

Each room will have an isolette, medical equipment, space for care delivery and families.

Birthing Unit check-in area for labor and delivery patients.

The project includes a welcoming entry to the birthing and neonatal intensive care units.

Hallway near the handwashing station outside of the NICU.

Patient and family-centered features:

• 16 patient rooms, including 3 rooms for twins.
• Two isolation rooms with features to protect against airborne contagions.
• Interior windows in patient rooms to allow staff to observe patients from the nurse station.
• Lighting and noise control within each room.
• Webcams allow family members to observe their babies remotely.
• A family lounge with private showers and a kitchenette.
• Two new surgical suites.