NICU
OPEN HOUSE - COMING SOON
Big changes are in store for Kaweah Delta’s tiniest patients. Babies
born too soon, too small, or with other health problems will soon be cared
for in the newly completed state-of-the-art Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
(NICU). Construction on the 15,000 square foot expansion project located
on the sixth floor of the Acequia Wing is complete and the unit is ready
to make its grand debut. The 23-bed unit includes all private, single
family rooms featuring large windows, soft lighting, personal refrigerators
for mother’s milk or formula, and a sofa bed. Other floor amenities
include a classroom for nurse trainings and parent conferences, a medication
room, two designated supply areas, one large nurse station, and 12 smaller,
decentralized stations providing nurses with a direct line of view to
their tiny patients. Join us for a special grand opening event celebrating
the expanded NICU!
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
Welcome to Kaweah Delta Medical Center’s Neonatal Intensive Care
Unit, where doctors and nurses who specialize in treating the littlest
of patients work daily to help get babies home, where they belong.
Having a child in the NICU is a stressful time for parents and family.
We want you to know that while your baby is with us, he or she is receiving
excellent care. Our hope is that this website will help you through your
NICU journey. Please click here to e-mail staff any questions or concerns
you may have as we care for your family.
Getting Here
Our NICU is located:
2nd floor (Directly across from the patient elevators)
Kaweah Delta Medical Center
400 W. Mineral King Ave.
Visalia, CA 93279
Call Box
For patient safety, our NICU unit is secure. To enter push the call box
to speak to a nurse. Remember only those people who have been issued green
bands will be allowed to visit.
For Parents
Our NICU is designed especially for premature babies and babies who experience
problems at birth. We are here, caring for your baby around the clock
so you can bring your little one home.
Who May Visit
To keep your baby safe and to maintain confidentiality, you will be given
a green band and an identification number when you enter the unit. You
will be asked to show your band as you enter the unit and when you are
at your baby's bedside. When calling, you will be required to read
your identification number to the staff in order to receive information
about your baby.
- It is our hospital policy to only provide information to parents or legal
guardians so please keep your identification number private.
- Only two people can be at the baby's bedside at one time. One of them
must have a green band on. Other visitors may wait in the downstairs lobby,
which is available for their comfort.
- If you are sick or you think you may be sick, please talk to your baby's
nurse before coming into the unit.
- Children under 12 are not permitted in the NICU.
- During the cold and flu season only parents (or green banded people) will
be allowed in the NICU.
Scrubbing
For the well being of your baby, we have rules that must be followed by
EVERYONE entering the NICU
- All visitors must do a 3-minute scrub of their hands and forearms and apply
waterless, antimicrobial hand gel; a nurse will show you how.
- Returning visitors who remain in the hospital, only need to wash thoroughly
for 15 seconds and apply the waterless.
- Antimicrobial hand gel.
If the returning visitor leaves the hospital, he or she will be required
to do another 3-minute scrub of the hands and forearms, with another application
of waterless Antimicrobial hand gel.