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Women’s and Children’s Hospital
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New Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

New NICU nurses station 2
WCH News
Posted 14 July 2021

South Australia’s most vulnerable babies and their families will receive improved care and support at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital thanks to the redevelopment of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).

This upgrade is the second and final stage of the $14 million Neonatal Nurseries Redevelopment, which aims to improve care for premature and ill babies while also supporting families during what can be a very stressful time.

WCHN Acting Advanced Divisional Director of Women’s and Babies, Lee Davies, said the new NICU houses improved technology that allows for swift care.

“Our NICU staff provide care to some of state’s most at-risk patients and this redevelopment will help our staff deliver efficient and immediate care,” Ms Davies said.

“Each room is also fitted with a mobile power source which can move around the room according to the baby’s needs.”

The six new rooms provide improved infection control, more space and privacy for families, including a space that can be used for twins.

The new space also includes a cot space which operates as an additional negative pressure room, a multi-purpose room with a bed and ensuite for families and carers with babies in palliative care, and a new staff base.

“The design really reflects the input of our staff and consumers who have been involved in the design process of these upgrades,” Ms Davies said.

Women’s and Children’s Health Network (WCHN) CEO, Lindsey Gough, said the works are part of a $50 million project to upgrade the hospital.

“We are committed to maintaining excellent care and workspaces for our patients and staff and this redevelopment is just another part of that process,” Ms Gough said.

“Our hospital continues to invest in infrastructure to better support the health and wellbeing of all South Australians and thanks to these sustainment works, we will be able to continue to provide the highest quality care while we plan for the new hospital.”

Among the first to move into the new space were fraternal twins, Lucy and Annabelle, who were born 15 weeks premature. At their side were parents, Jamie Kotzur and Jemma Tilmouth, both of whom were pleased to utilise the new twin room. When asked about his first impressions, Jamie was taken aback by the “really futuristic, clean and new” space.

“Extremely lucky to have facilities like this – it’s not something that every person gets access to. They (the twins) wouldn’t be here without the facilities or the doctors and nurses here. Really, really grateful,” he said.

Watch this video for a tour of the new NICU:

For more information about the WCH Upgrade Project, go to: