UCHealth Neonatal Intensive Care Unit - Poudre Valley Hospital

In 2016, we nearly doubled the capacity of the PVH NICU, expanding from 19 to 32 beds, mostly in private rooms. We’re able to provide families with a private lounge and showers, and every room has a convertible sofa, so parents can stay overnight. Our expansion has made accommodating our patients and their families easier and provides an environment that better promotes healing while making their stay more comfortable.

In addition to an expanded capacity, our facility is fully equipped with the latest technology and capabilities, such as high-frequency ventilation, nitric oxide and hypothermia therapy.

Getting it right from the patient and family perspective was a key goal when we designed the NICU. To make sure that happened, our design team included a representative from every group of people who take care of babies in the NICU, as well as multiple families of former NICU patients.

The latest research shows that babies grow better and have fewer complications during their stay when they are in a quiet environment with less stimulation. Also, private rooms give parents the opportunity to stay with their babies as much as possible and ensure their privacy. As the most important part of our care team, parents are now able to truly participate in their baby’s care as much as possible.

Every patient room is equipped with a special chair for “kangarooing” (holding a baby skin to skin) and a sleep sofa for parents who wish to stay overnight in their baby’s room. Parents have their own space, including outlets to recharge their laptops and smartphones. We have a parent lounge where families can grab a snack and relax. They may also eat meals there and socialize with other families. The unit has shower facilities for parents as well.

We upgraded technology to allow babies to be more closely monitored by staff from outside the room, which improves safety and allows the family more privacy and quiet time with their baby. Also, the improved lighting and ventilation contribute to a more healing environment. Some improvements are less noticeable, like the use of building materials that reduce noise in patient rooms.

To advise the NICU staff on patient needs from a family’s perspective and to support a family-centered environment.

• Development of a milestone bead program. Glass beads are distributed to commemorate unique and important milestones (first hold, first bath, hearing test, etc.) throughout a baby’s NICU stay.
• Creation of parent and family education and support materials including activity and coloring books for siblings.
• Distribution of “Welcome bags” filled with comfort care items (facial tissue, lotion, insulated milk storage bag, personalized card, etc.).
• Establishment of a PVH Foundation NICU PFAC-specific fund. This fund supports the programs and initiatives created by the PFAC.
• Participate in annual UCHealth NICU and Special Care Nursery reunion.

We are always looking for former NICU parents or family members to serve on the PFAC.

Volunteers must:

• Be a parent or family member of an infant who as been in the Poudre Valley Hospital NICU.
• Complete the UCHealth volunteer application process.
• Commit to at least two years of involvement with the PFAC.
• Attend monthly meetings.

Please email [email protected] for more information.

Don’t have the time to become a PFAC member but still want to help support this important work? Consider a tax-deductible contribution to the PVH Foundation NICU PFAC fund!

Here are just a few examples of how your donation can directly support NICU families:

• $10 will help provide photos and craft supplies for holidays and special events.
• $25 will purchase a set of 20 Milestone Beads for one family.
• $50 will support the development of parent, family, and staff educational resources.
• $75 will fill Welcome Bags with comfort care items for five families.

To donate, go to the PVH and MCR Foundation page.