An ambitious project has launched at Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford to reimagine care for the tiniest patients during their critical first days, weeks, and months. Construction has recently begun to transform the current open-bay style neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) into private rooms, which will provide a soothing environment for babies and their families to heal and bond.
The new facility will reflect Packard Children’s ranking as one of the nation’s top-ranked hospitals for neonatology—while delivering a better experience for families. Private NICU rooms are proven to reduce the risk of infection for vulnerable babies, shorten hospital stays, increase parental involvement, and promote breastfeeding and skin-to-skin care.
“Our NICU is a special place where we provide innovative treatments babies can’t get anywhere else and provide families hope,” says Lance Prince, MD, PhD, the Philip Sunshine, MD, Professor of Neonatology and Division Chief for Neonatal and Developmental Medicine at the Stanford School of Medicine. “We are thrilled that we will soon have a state-of-the-art space to deliver life-saving care.”
The NICUs are part of a larger transformation of the West building, our hospital’s original facility, to deliver the very best care for mothers and babies. In the coming years, we will also add upgraded labor and delivery rooms, more private postpartum maternity rooms, a dedicated antepartum unit for mothers with high-risk pregnancies, and state-of-the-art C-section operating rooms, as well as a new lobby and public spaces.
Construction will occur in stages, and the building will remain open for care. The new facilities will better serve our community, provide a launchpad for innovative treatment and research, and set the standard of care for mothers and babies everywhere.
Construction on the first of four NICU suites has already begun, with targeted completion in 2024, thanks to investment from our donor community. Upon completion the project will result in 58 private rooms, plus six semi-private rooms for families of twins and multiples.
Philanthropy can accelerate this exceptional care that will improve and save many lives. To learn how you can support this project and bring the future of care to our most fragile babies, contact Jennifer Stameson, Vice President, Major Gifts.
