Phoebe’s NICU makes moving plans to new tower

ALBANY, Ga. – One of the Phoebe Health System’s major units is getting ready to plan their move into the new tower. And, as we found out from members of the unit, they’re excited about the expanded care they’ll be able to provide.

The Phoebe Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) will be expanding into the new tower after construction finishes…

And, they’re excited about what that’ll mean for caring for newborns.

“I could not be more excited for it, it will be long awaited and will definitely help us meet the growing needs of our patients and their families as well as our team. So, it’s going to be a huge transition for us…” said Jennifer Hill, Nurse Manager, Phoebe NICU.

The NICU in the new tower will have more amenities for newborns as well as their parents, including more natural light.

But, before they can get to that point, the logistics need to be worked out before the winter.

“We have to think about work flow, and even down to the number of steps it takes a nurse to do a certain task compared to how it is now… Planning through any staffing changes or additions that need to happen to make sure we can meet all the needs when we move to the new unit…” said Jennifer Heleski, Director of Women and Children’s Services, Phoebe.

And, according to Heleski, the move is coming at a perfect time.

“Our daily census in the NICU is much higher than what we feel like the space we currently have allows for. So, this new building is going to allow our families much more space to spend time with their babies. It will allow for more ‘kangaroo care’ which is skin-to-skin time with their babies…” said Heleski.

The plans they have in place now are going to go a long way for the families whose babies end up in the NICU.

“…Not just for the babies in this moment in their lives, but what care we provide them in the NICU impacts them for a lifetime. So, that’s been our goal: to make sure our care maximizes their outcomes. Not only now, but into the future and make sure that the building and the unit supports that,” said Hill.

While the move won’t happen until the tower is complete in the winter, having the plan in place now is going to make sure the NICU doesn’t miss a beat.

As of right now, the new tower is reportedly on pace to finish construction between December and January.

Brian Roche reporting.

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