Neonatal Intensive Care Unit opens at hospital in Trail

Kootenay Boundary expectant families facing early deliveries can now stay closer to home, thanks to generous donors and the Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital (KBRH) Health Foundation’s Tier 3 Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) project.

Made possible by $745,000 in additional foundation-funded equipment and the addition of specialized NICU healthcare workers by Interior Health, the NICU officially opened April 24.

The new unit means KBRH has the capacity to support deliveries and care for babies born after 34 weeks, as well as urgent acute care for babies born even earlier with moderate risk.

“We are thrilled to open our Tier 3 NICU and care for mothers and babies close to home,” said Dr. Ian Ferguson, obstetrician, gynecologist and department head of Maternity and Pediatrics at KBRH.

“We can now keep patients local and repatriate other patients back home sooner then they otherwise would have had to relocate for care. It has made a huge difference for the families of our region, and everyone is very excited.”

A Tier 3 NICU requires significant equipment upgrades to accommodate the needs of the newborns. Three newly funded isolettes (specialized cribs) plus monitors and stabilization equipment are now available, The specialized care will be provided by neonatal healthcare professionals including a NICU educator and nurses as well as allied health professionals.

The new service will benefit expectant families throughout the entire Kootenay Boundary, reducing the burden of travel and keeping them close to local extended family and supports.