Many babies are born without complications and go home with their parents a day or two after birth. However, when newborns have health problems or are born prematurely, they may need to receive specialized care in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) after delivery.
MultiCare NICUs are equipped with the staff and technology to provide 24-hour care for your baby. We support their health and development while helping you remain as involved in their care as possible.
NICUs are categorized into different levels based on the complexity of care they provide.
Level I. Level I units are considered regular hospital nurseries, providing routine monitoring and care for healthy babies born at 35 weeks or more. This care is typically provided in a parent’s hospital room.
Level II. Level II units care for babies born at or after 32 weeks who need slightly more complex care than a typical newborn. For example, they may need assistance with feeding or breathing for a short period of time.
Level III. These units are equipped to treat premature infants or those with severe health problems. They offer a low-stimulation environment to promote healthy development and have access to various pediatric specialists.
Level IV. Providing the highest level of care, Level IV NICUs offer advanced medical support for critically ill infants. They also offer care at Levels II and III and are capable of handling complex cases. They often have specialized transport services for transferring babies to the facility.
MultiCare operates several NICUs:
- Level I
- Capital Medical Center (Olympia)
- Valley Hospital (Spokane)
- Level II
- Auburn Medical Center
- Good Samaritan Hospital (Puyallup)
- Level III
- Level IV
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