Hopscotch N Jellybeans was invited to the CHOC Children’s NICU Expansion, Groundbreaking and Media Tour. Laurie who is a contributor on Hopscotch N Jellybeans and also a critical care nurse went on this tour and even shared her own memories of when her grandson was a patient in the NICU.
As I pulled into the driveway of CHOC many memories suddenly came flooding back. I was surprised at the emotion I felt walking into the building.
Almost 15 months before I was there everyday with my grandson. He had a traumatic introduction into the world at Hoag and was transported to CHOC emergency. I am a critical care RN for adults and this small child looking so helpless with the very small tube helping him breathe, it was a sight that shook me to my very soul. I tried to be the nurse I am but the mom and grandma in me took over.
I was greeted by many smiling and welcoming faces on Wednesday as I signed in and was escorted to the space on the 4th floor that would be the new expansion of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. This will be the state-of-the-art Bill Holmes Tower replacing the current pod-stly beds in CHOC”s Level 4 NICU. (A place I remember all to well.)
When you have a child that has to be in the NICU for whatever reason, the parents and grandparents want to be there around the clock. I remember being crowded in the pods, the hustle and bustle of monitors and alarms. The nurses, the doctors and the parents all present in this space. It was loud and had a very “busy” feel. Of course we were focused on our baby at the time but I remember having this thought, “I wish we could be in a room by ourselves, or at least a little more space.” We had to take turns being present to my grandson because of space constraints.
My wish has come true! Family centered care with new solo rooms!
Research has proven that infants cared for in single-family rooms weighed more at discharge and gained weight more rapidly than those who received care in an open design. There is more privacy for breast feeding and skin-to-skin contact as well. Parents are more comfortable and in this very stressful situation that will help enormously for all involved. This I know from experience!
Dr. Vijay Dhar, medical director of CHOC’s NICU knows that every parent wants to stay as close to their baby as possible, especially when the infant needs a high level of medical attention. He states,”The expansion to CHOC’s NICU will offer parents and guardians reassurance that they’ll be nearby while their baby receives the highest level of care.”
CHOC has done so much for this community and our children. CHOC was named one of the best children’s hospital by U.S. News & World Report (2015-2016) for the highest quality of care.
I saw this personally with my grandson. I also sat next to a sweet woman, Paula who 13 years earlier had a set of twins at 26 weeks. She told me of her experience at CHOC with her little boy, weighing in at 2.7# and her little girl weighing in at 2.2#. The babies went through so much but with the award winning care they have both grown into great teens! Playing basketball with high grades and sweet smiles they are special blessings! I also got to see Nathan another 26 week premie born at Hoag and taken to CHOC. His mother spoke of the risks that were explained to her as Nathan had surgery, after surgery, finally leaving CHOC and growing into a handsome 8 year old with no consequences of being born way to early. He golf’s, is an A student and has the most amazing smile!
I am privileged to write about this milestone in our community. CHOC is committed to the health and well-being of our children through clinical expertise, advocacy, outreach,education and research that brings advanced treatment to pediatric patients.
This expansion is expected to open in the summer of 2017
