Overlake Medical Center has opened its new, expanded Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) – a project two years in the making.
Built by GLY Construction in Bellevue and staffed by specially-trained experts from Seattle Children’s Hospital, the new and expanded unit is located just steps away from the Overlake Childbirth Center, and will provide nearly 8,000 square feet of infant care.
The cost of the expansion of the Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) was $3.6 million – $800,000 of which was raised at the Overlake Hospital Auxiliaries annual Bandage Ball in March. The larger, more advanced space will also enable the staff to care for tinier and sicker babies, including those born as early as 26 weeks gestation.
Additionally, the new unit features private rooms for all babies, as well as neighboring rooms with sliding doors for families with multiples. More square footage per room will also allow space for families to spend the night with their infant(s), windows in every room and a central monitoring system.
“That makes a big difference to the staff,” said Lynne Saunders, manager of the NICU, “because they can see all the babies at the same time.”
The Overlake unit is licensed to accommodate 18 infants. It also features security system locked doors, which will further insure the safety of infants being treated in the unit.
Planning for the new unit began in January 2010 when a leak appeared in the old space and staff had to move to the other side of the hallway. Five current staff members were part of the team that helped develop the plans to relocate the NICU to the space previously occupied by the Critical Care Unit.
The Medical Center celebrated the opening of the NICU unit Thursday morning, with a ribbon ceremony that brought together a number of people affiliated with the Neonatal unit. Speakers included CEO Craig Hendrickson, donors Jody Cunningham and Mark Minella, and Ken and Mirjana Bailey.
The Bailey’s 9-month-old daughter Mila, was cared for in the NICU when she arrived at 32 weeks in January 2012.
“I truly believe they saved Mila’s life,” Mirjana said. “I smile every time I drive by Overlake.”
Bellevue resident Maddy Thompson, 9, was also in attendance – and assisted Hendrickson in cutting the ribbon.Maddy’s mother, Gloria Thompson, was cared for at Overlake’s NICU when she developed a blood clot late in her pregnancy.
Maddy has been donating to the hospital since she was 4 years old. Maddy personally delivered $57.34 of her own money to Hendrickson earlier this year which she asked him to use to help other babies like her.
The new neonatal unit is just one part of Overlake’s comprehensive service line for babies and their parents. Care begins with classes for couples who are thinking of having a baby, and follows them through pregnancy to delivery and beyond.
Following birth, the Women’s Clinic offers postpartum care, including breastfeeding support.Overlake’s neonatal staff consists of 39 RNs and four secretaries working eight and 12-hour shifts. Saunders said she’s most excited to see the looks on the faces of the staff when they see the new unit.
“I’ve seen the entire team rally and be in support of this new unit,” Saunders said. “[They’re] scared of the change, but can hardly wait for the move.”
Along with parents, the staff will begin to move infants into the new space on Nov. 12 after morning rounds. The current neonatal unit is home to 10 infants. Saunders expects at least four of these patients will be transferred to the new unit next week.
Those interested in touring the new space are invited to attend the community and staff open house taking place from 4 to 7 p.m. this evening at Overlake Medical Center’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, 1035 116th Ave NE, 2nd Floor, West Tower, Bellevue.
