Vermont’s only Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) has undergone a renovation, creating a more private and welcoming space for hundreds of infants and their families who receive critical care there each year. 

With significant funding from community donations — including $1 million from EastRise Credit Union — the project also gives staff a more practical and secure space to serve patients from across Vermont and northern New York. 

“The many improvements resulting from these renovations, which included lots of input from families who have needed our NICU, will enable us to have additional private space and a more functional design to support our outstanding team of clinicians and staff who specialize in neonatal care for the high-risk infants born in this region,” says Lewis R. First, MD, chief of pediatrics at UVM Children’s Hospital. 

The NICU provides care for approximately 500 premature and critically ill infants each year. It also operates a specialized neonatal transport service, with about 120 transports from across the region into the unit annually. 

The renovation — the first major update to the unit since it was built in 1988 — didn’t expand the NICU’s footprint but instead reorganized the space to better meet patient and staff needs. 

The most meaningful change for patients and families is the addition of two private rooms, including one double patient room. These rooms “have already proven to be incredibly beneficial,” says Natalie Clark, BSN, RN, NICU nurse manager. 

“These private spaces have provided a calmer, more healing environment for our sickest patients and a much-needed private area for families during vulnerable moments,” Clark says. 

Previously, the unit had only one private room. “We were frequently moving patients in and out or managing difficult situations in the open bay that would have benefited from privacy,” Clark says. “Now, those decisions are less stressful and more patient-centered.” 

The double private room also supports families whose infants have complex medical needs and are preparing for discharge. Parents can stay overnight to help them better understand their baby’s needs and how to provide care at home, Clark says. 

“This isn’t something that every family needs, but having the space available makes it possible,” she says. “Now, they can stay closer to their child, which makes a big difference in preparing for the transition home.” 

Other upgrades include a brighter, easier-to-navigate entrance with new safety features for staff, and a refreshed nurses’ station that “feels more vibrant and functional,” according to Clark. 

The renovation was years in the making, made possible with strong community support. In addition to EastRise’s gift, the project received about $100,000 from the Vincent Family Foundation and a $50,000 commitment from the Garibay family. 

“The renovations in our Neonatal Intensive Care Unit demonstrate a true partnership between our health system, the community helping to provide some much-appreciated philanthropic support, and especially the voices of families who have received care in our unit in the past,” Dr. First says.

“This unique and important partnership has resulted in structural improvements that will make our neonatal facility exemplify the state-of-the-art, high quality, infant- and child-friendly, family centered care that is central to our mission at our UVM Children’s Hospital.”