LOMA LINDA>> On May 2, Construction began at Loma Linda University - Murrieta for a new neonatal intensive-care unit.
The level II unit will offer care for premature infants born after 32 weeks of gestation and allow parents to stay with the baby overnight, which is something most hospitals are not able to accommodate. Scheduled d to open in autumn, the six-bed facility will allow hospital staff to better take care of the premature infants.
According to several hospital medical officers, approximately 5 to 10 percent of all babies need post delivery care. This includes short-term ventilation, treatment for jaundice, help with feeding, or treatment with antibiotics.
"The new NICU will feature private rooms and allow parents to stay overnight in the same room as their baby, a unique feature that isn’t currently offered by providers in the area and is one of the top factors in helping NICU babies recover more rapidly, said, Raylene Phillips, MD, co-director of neonatology at Loma Linda University Medical Center – Murrieta.
“It’s well known that babies have significant stress when separated from their mother because they’re still so psychologically connected,” Phillips said. “Our new NICU will allow us to keep the family and baby together, which will reduce stress for parents, and especially our newborn patients.”
The hospital will be able to accommodate infants with all care levels, including those with congenital heart defects or other surgery requiring ailments. These childrens and their families will have direct access to the Loma Linda University Children's Hospital, which has a Level IV NICU and access to the highest levels of expertise.
Loma Linda University Medical Center – Murrieta already offers labor and delivery support, a skin-to-skin bonding program following delivery, and a lactation clinic.
Murrieta’s NICU is scheduled to open after construction has completed and licensing requirements have been secured from appropriate state agencies.
“We’re pleased to be adding this Level II NICU to our complete delivery care services,” said Peter Baker, JD, MBA, administrator of Loma Linda University Medical Center – Murrieta. “Our goal is to keep Southwest Riverside County-area newborns who may need additional care closer to their moms throughout the post-delivery care process. We’ll provide expectant families the comfort and assurance that their child will receive the best medicine has to offer, no matter the situation.”