Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital celebrated the grand opening of the new Kim and Steven Ullman Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) on Wednesday, January 25.  The completion of the $6 million state-of-the-art facility is an important part of the hospital's expansion and vision to create the ideal patient-centered healthcare environment for Santa Clarita Valley’s tiniest patients.

After a year’s construction, the new 4,369-foot NICU has the capacity and technology to treat the community’s tiniest patients. The 11-bed NICU is staffed by a specialized, multidisciplinary team of health care professionals and will provide around-the-clock individualized care and monitoring for newborn babies requiring specialized care. The new NICU is named for the generosity of one magnanimous gift from Kim and Steven Ullman.

“Great thought and research went into the NICU design to ensure a warm, nurturing environment that will meet the needs of our tiniest patients,” said Sally McGann, RNC, MSN, Director of Women’s Services. “With a NICU, parents can have peace of mind that we can provide the care their newborns need to thrive. Babies will be able to stay close to home and family. From special lighting to noise level controls, we’ve taken every aspect of care into careful consideration for babies’ sensitivities.”

Henry Mayo’s NICU will be equipped and staffed by a full range of highly specialized neonatal care experts, equipment and materials to ensure the best care for babies. A neonatologist in collaboration with the family pediatrician will oversee care, and nurses with advanced training in neonatal nursing will provide high quality nursing care. Neonatal respiratory care specialists, nutritionists, social workers, pharmacists, physical and occupational therapists will all provide support for the newborns and their parents.

The new NICU will open to the public following final approvals from the Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development (OSHPD) and the Department of Health Services (DHS).