Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
NICU is where a transdisciplinary team cares for babies who require respiratory support, central line management and continuous observation. These babies may be born ill and/or prematurely.
The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) is a 14 bed unit responsible for the provision of care for babies in need of intensive (Level 6) care born at the WCH, born elsewhere in South Australia, the Northern Territory, Western Victoria and the far west of New South Wales.
How to access this service
Due to COVID-19, visiting is restricted to parents/caregiver only.
Hours
24/7 Service
Location
Queen Victoria Building Level 3 Zone F
Further information
NICU is where a multidisciplinary team cares for babies who require respiratory support, central line management and continuous observation. These babies may be born ill and/or prematurely.
NICU is divided into 3 areas NICU 1, 2 & 3, each with 6 beds and the ability to flex up in NICU 1.
All of the nursing staff delivering care in NICU are Registered Nurses/Midwives, with many having advanced Neonatal Intensive Care qualifications.
We welcome the involvement of parents and caregivers while babies are in NICU. Our care is family-centred, meeting the physical, emotional, social, cultural and spiritual needs of the family.
There is a small waiting area near the nursery.
For safety reasons, please do not bring food or drinks into the Nursery. Water in a sealed container is permitted.
The Butterfly Card scheme assists families where babies are admitted to NICU for an anticipated period of more than a week
Please ask the Midwife/Nurse who is caring for your baby if you wish to see a Social Worker, Interpreter or Minister of Religion.
Meals for parents and caregivers are available from the Playdeck and Cafeteria.
Car parking is available on or near the hospital grounds.
It is important that all visitors wash their hands on entering and leaving the unit, and wipe over mobile phones with wipes available in NICU, or use the UV sanitiser located at the entrance to the nurseries.
Parents/Caregivers who are unwell must not visit NICU.
Contact
Research Activity
The WCH has an ongoing commitment to ethical research and evidence-based practice. Many research activities are conducted with support from the Neonatal staff.