MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Le Bonheur Children's Hospital celebrated the opening of its expanded Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) Thursday with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
It’s the first step in the four-story $95.4 million expansion which adds 14 beds to the 60-bed unit. Construction is underway on the west side of the hospital, expanding the current building at the corner of Poplar and Dunlap Street.
Officials said the level IV NICU provides acute care for babies with complex medical issues, and the expansion allows for future growth, providing space and support for the program.
“Advancements in fetal medicine and NICU care have increased survival rates for babies born preterm or with complex congenital anomalies. As a result, NICU use and demand have increased across the region and nationally,” said Le Bonheur President Trey Eubanks, MD, FACS. “This expansion will provide us space and support for this special and unique program that children from throughout the region depend on Le Bonheur for this level of care.”
The expansion will culminate with a grand opening celebration on May 8, 2024.