We know that your baby's health is your greatest concern. It's ours too. If your newborn has an unexpected health complication, you want your baby in the best possible hands.
Babies who are born too early or have unexpected health challenges require close monitoring after birth. If this happens to your baby, our neonatal intensive care (NICU) team is prepared. Our NICU team has the most experience in the region. Families say they leave changed forever because of the experiences and relationships formed in the NICU. We have to agree.
Transport to our NICU
If your child is born at another facility and needs intensive care, our NICU transport team is available to transport infants from their birth hospital to Mercyhealth's Javon Bea Hospital–Riverside in Rockford.
Advanced technology and inviting surroundings
Our 52-bed Level III NICU is equipped with the latest technology and the optimal environment to help your baby heal and grow.
Surrounding you with soothing colors in an inviting design, our NICU provides around-the-clock, specialized care for your newborn. Our state-of-the-art technologies include developmentally supportive surroundings, consistently controlled thermal environment, neonatal specific respiratory support and continuous cardiorespiratory monitoring to help our most vulnerable newborns get the precise care they need.
Our NICU features 10 double NICU suites specifically designed for twin babies and their families, as well as single NICU suites. Rooms were created with our youngest patients and their families in mind and offer special amenities and the comforts of home.
Small baby unit
Our NICU features a 12-bed small baby unit, the only one of its kind in the region. This unit provides the highest level of care for babies born less than 30 weeks' gestation. The unit was specifically constructed with special lighting and noise reduction to keep stimulation to a minimum, an attempt to mimic what babies would experience if they were still safety tucked in the mother’s womb.
A full team of neonatal support
You can take comfort in knowing that an entire team of experienced caregivers is dedicated to your newborn's well-being. Our team includes specialists such as:
- Neonatologists
- Neonatal nurse practitioners
- Registered nurses
- Respiratory therapists
- Lactation consultants
- Physical, occupational and speech therapists
- Social workers
In addition, our NICU team has quick access to many different pediatric specialties should the need arise.
When additional care is needed
Mercyhealth's Neonatal Follow-up Clinic provides medical, developmental, nutritional and family support services to children that have been in the NICU. Follow-up services are provided to maximize medical, growth and developmental outcomes in NICU babies.
To reach our NICU, call 815.971.6500.