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Summer 2005 Giving Back: AAMC Foundation Seeks To Help Tiniest Patients
The staff at the AAMC Women’s Center delivers more than 5,000 newborns annually, the second most in the state. As a hospital with a Level III+ NICU, AAMC carries the responsibility of caring for more than 500 critically ill infants each year. This means highly specialized equipment and uniquely qualified caregivers provide industryleading neonatal intensive care to both baby and parent. More expectant mothers throughout the region are choosing AAMC for delivery.High-risk pregnancies are increasing, due in part to more women having children later in life. AAMC is addressing these and other needs through a 7,000 sq. ft. renovation, relocation and expansion of its NICU and improvement of its birthing area. The size of the NICU will increase to 350 square feet per baby, almost four times the original size. The biggest improvement for these infants will be added space that surrounds their isolettes. The new NICU will have 26 beds; each patient will have more privacy and closeness for family members and adequate space for treatment by medical staff. Rooms will be separated by sliding glass doors offering the possibility to create one large adjoining accommodation for families with critically ill infant twins. A television will be available for relaxation and education about baby care, classes and other helpful child healthcare tips. Each room will be equipped with rocking and reclining chairs to comfortably seat or sleep an adult. Single room care for the infant creates a sensitive environment while also minimizing disturbances that might hinder the baby’s progress. To create this much needed space, the Pediatrics unit will be relocated to the west wing of the first floor in the Clatanoff Pavilion.
A new C-Section OR and two new reception areas will be built: one for labor and delivery and another dedicated solely for the new NICU. These separate spaces will give healthcare professionals a better environment to monitor patients and provide one-on-one attention to new parents and their extended families. Along with relocation costs, there will be significant equipment needs. Much of the equipment purchased for the NICU is unique, allowing for minimal changes to the temperature and humidity-controlled environment for these delicate newborns. The AAMC Foundation welcomes individuals, business, community groups and organizations who want to help improve the future for children. Philanthropy, the donation of time and financial resources, will drive this expansion to success. For more informaiton on how to support AAMC, please contact the AAMC Foundation at 443-481-4747 or visit: www.askAAMC.org/foundation. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
