Providence Cedars-Sinai Tarzana Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) has opened with the latest advancements in infant care. This project is the modernization of the existing NICU unit and was supported by a generous grant awarded by the state of California.
With specialized pediatric needs in mind, the enhancement of the existing 21-bed NICU will provide access to more patients in the San Fernando Valley including children from underserved, low-income, and uninsured families. These innovations will showcase upgraded equipment, new paint, flooring, and nursing stations – offering a modern approach to some of our most precious patients.
The project was led and managed by Devin Ulibarri, Project Manager; Jamie Robillard, Sr. Manager Design and Construction; Vince Casson, Sr. Manager Design & Construction and Sharon Gross, Senior Director Operation Planning. Approval was received in June 2020, and construction for the 4,300 square foot space commenced in May 2021. Despite a slight extension of the project, modernization construction was completed after a total of 2 years and 7 months.
The NICU offers state-of-the-art technology critical to reducing stress for highly sensitive babies. It provides several advanced features including high-tech bassinets (Giraffes) that reduce the need to transfer infants and decrease potential harm. The Giraffes can be utilized as an open-table warmer or an incubator/isolette. This provides a low-stress environment with temperature control, ability to block light and sound, and a 360-degree rotating bassinet to weigh and perform surgery on babies when necessary.
All patients will have GE Carescape B450 bedside monitors which allows NICU doctors, nurses, and respiratory therapists to monitor all NICU patients simultaneously. To facilitate bonding between new parents and their infants, each room will also offer the AngelEye Patient Camera system, where parents can securely stream viewing of their newborns, and share access with their loved ones.
The Providence Cedars-Sinai Tarzana Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) was completed in December 2023. As champions in healthcare access for all, Cedars-Sinai Tarzana predicts an overall 93 percent increase in patient volumes with the NICU and Pediatric Unit expansion.
