Baptist Health sets Feb 13 for grand opening tours of new John and Loree Eckstein NICU
Before babies move into spacious new quarters at Baptist Health Paducah later this month, the public can see the John and Loree Eckstein NICU during tours at a grand opening and dedication at 4 p.m. Monday, Feb. 13.
Before babies move into spacious new quarters at Baptist Health Paducah later this month, the public can see the John and Loree Eckstein NICU during tours at a grand opening and dedication at 4 p.m. Monday, Feb. 13.
The $3.2 million neonatal intensive care unit, a new 8,000-square-foot wing on the second floor of Medical Park 2, is about three times larger than the original unit, which opened in 2011 as the region’s only NICU.
Since then, more than 1,000 families have benefitted from the service close to home, including Marcus and Heather Helton of Metropolis, who will take part in the Feb. 13 program.
“No one can imagine how scared you are,” Heather said, “when your preemie babies are fighting for their lives; but this NICU made us feel so comfortable. I trusted them 100 percent.”
The Helton triplets – Mason, Micah and Hazel – were born 11 weeks early, each weighing about 2 pounds. They stayed about two months in the NICU and now are happy 15-month-old toddlers. “How thankful and blessed we are with our miracle triplets,” she said, “and we are just happy this NICU is here to help other families.”
The NICU began with six beds and is now licensed for 14 beds, with the new space providing room to care for more babies and to give parents space for privacy and bonding, said William A. Brown, hospital president. “This NICU has been a lifesaver for this region, and we are pleased that the expansion can help even more families.”
The new unit was designed to improve newborns’ brain growth and development, with special materials for quiet floors, sinks, hand dryers and pull curtains. Even the artwork has been chosen for the proper stimulation.
There are 12 private rooms for the most critical babies, including two large enough for twins or triplets; six bays for babies needing observation; special rooms for breastfeeding and respiratory, physical, occupational and speech therapy.
Brown said Baptist Health is known as “the baby hospital” because 1,400 babies – four times more than anywhere else in the region – are born there each year. About 15 percent of them need NICU services.
“Babies have been important to us since 1953, when the first baby was born within four hours of the hospital’s opening our doors,” he said. “We are delighted to make these improvements for our young families. Our mission is to demonstrate the love of Christ with them, whether they are celebrating the happiest moments of their life or needing us at a critical time.”
Anyone interested in making a donation for the NICU may send it to the Baptist Health Foundation Paducah, 2501 Kentucky Ave., Paducah, Ky. 42003 or phone 270.575.2871.