Mercy opens redesigned neonatal unit

The first phase of Mercy Hospital Springfield's project to redesign its neonatal unit is complete, and the Betty and Bobby Allison Neonatal Intensive Care Unit is open for business.

The redesigned unit, which is part of Mercy Children's Hospital Springfield, was made possible by a lead donation of $2 million by philanthropist Bobby Allison. Other gifts, totaling $480,000, were donated by Beth and John Raidel; Dr. Walter and Martha Gaska; Dr. K. Fon and Kimberly Huang; Pediatrix Medical Group Inc.; The Smile Foundation; Dr. Eric and Kristi Fulnecky and family; Dr. Alexander and Barbara Hover; Empire Bank and Central Trust and Investment Co.; Arvest Bank; Dr. Elizabeth Andrews; Dr. John Burson; and the Rick’s Automotive family, according to a news release.

Phase I of the project added 27 beds to the NICU and redesigned it to have individual family rooms, sliding glass doors and updated technology. The NICU had been a 28-bed single room.

“Studies have shown that premature babies in individual rooms stay in the hospital for less time, they gain weight faster and they have less risk of infection,” said Dr. Melinda Slack, medical director for the nursery at Mercy Hospital Springfield, in the release. “The research also shows there’s less stress for the parents, who feel like they have their own space and a role in their child’s care.”

Phase II of the project would expand the space of the unit and is expected to be completed in June 2014.

“About 30 years ago, the NICU took up just 600 square feet,” Slack said. “When the new NICU is complete, it will be about 36,000 square feet. That speaks to Mercy’s commitment to offer state-of-the-art health care.”

Mercy is offering tours of the new NICU from 3 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Dec. 12.[[In-content Ad]]