“The major benefits of this NICU are the single rooms, the large square footage and the fact that it is very quiet,” says Jonathan Cronin, MD, Unit Chief of Neonatology and Newborn Medicine at MassGeneral Hospital for Children.
“Not only does the design encompass the whole family, but it also includes operating space, which is a major benefit for the medical and surgical care of these babies,” Cronin adds. Operating space within the NICU gives clinicians the ability to perform procedures without having to move the newborns.
Located on Blake 10, the family-focused NICU provides comfortable and private space for each family. Some of the rooms include a day bed and extra chairs, ensuring the comfort of parents who choose to stay overnight with their child.
The NICU also offers a beautiful view of the Charles River along one side of the unit and a charming view of downtown Boston along the other side. Parents and siblings can make use of a special waiting area equipped with free wireless Internet access, a children's play area and a large tropical fish aquarium."The design of our NICU gives us the opportunity to partner with parents and include them in all aspects of their infants' care," says Peggy Settle, RN, NICU nurse manager. "We are proud to have one of the most modern NICUs in northeast America."
Others involved in developing the new NICU are Peter L. Slavin, MD, MGH president; Dorothy Haney, MGH Real Estate project manager; Payette Architecture Associates and Walsh Brothers.
