NICU: Nurturing the health of every infant
From helping the tiniest preemies thrive to caring for full-term babies with complex needs, our newborn intensive care unit is dedicated to providing premature and critically ill newborns with the best, most comprehensive medical care in a family-focused environment. Our neonatal fellowship-trained specialists offer complete Level 4 neonatal care – among the highest levels of care available in Virginia.
We have developed a large team of dedicated and experienced health care professionals who bring rapid, complete and focused care to babies and their families as soon as they need it.
The NICU’s special features include:
- 32 private rooms
- 4 double-patient rooms for multiples (twins, triplets)
- Adjustable lighting
- Developmental care space
- Family lounge
- Family resource center
- Family toilet/shower area
- Overnight accommodations for parents in your child’s room, including a pullout sofa, secure wardrobe and breast milk refrigerator
- Palliative care suite
- Procedure room
- Sibling playroom
- Two negative pressure rooms, to prevent cross-contamination
Reasons your child may come to the NICU
The NICU is equipped to treat newborns in need of intensive treatment. Such conditions may include:
- Premature birth
- Congenital anomalies in the heart, brain, kidneys and other organs
- Respiratory distress and inefficiency due to a variety of conditions
- Cardiovascular disease
- Gastrointestinal disease
- Infectious disease, including congenital infections
- Neurological diseases
The highest levels of lung and heart care
As a Level 4 NICU, we offer the highest level of care for pulmonary (lung and respiratory) and cardiac (heart and blood vessels) conditions. Treatments and resources include:
- ECMO: We are the only hospital in the region – and one of two in Virginia – with the specialized team and equipment to provide life-saving extra corporeal membrane oxygenation care. This treatment takes over the work of the heart and lungs while the body heals. ECMO uses a pump to circulate blood through an artificial lung and back into the blood stream. This treatment is led by our Children's Hospital Foundation Heart Center.
- High-frequency jet and oscillatory ventilation, nitric oxide, to assist breathing
- Whole-body cooling, providing protection for the brain when there is a reduced level of oxygen or blood flow to the brain
Leaving the NICU, but not our care
Because newborns who require NICU hospitalization have a higher chance of later health issues, we offer the Neonatal Continuing Care Program to support their ongoing growth and development.
Complex care before birth
Our Complex Prenatal Care Program offers diagnosis and treatment for unborn infants and works with mothers who are living with pre-existing complications such as heart disease, obesity, HIV and others.
Contact and location
NICU reception: 804-828-9956
We are located on the 6th floor of the Critical Care Hospital.
Tour our Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)