Weekly Health Page Articles: Level III NICU

Level III NICU Provides Parents With Needed Emotional Support   

While tending to the complex healthcare needs of high-risk infants, the Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) in the Family BirthPlace at Saint Francis Medical Center also helps parents and family members cope with the emotional strain of having a sick or premature baby.

"Understandably, parents experience a range of emotions," says Alicia Adams, MSA, social worker on staff in the Level III NICU. "We're here to provide for the parents emotional well-being so they can focus on their baby."

Services include psychosocial counseling and stress management, as well as assistance with insurance issues and financial needs related to lodging, meals and transportation for the family with longer-term Level III NICU needs.  As part of the discharge team, Level III NICU social workers also provide parents with referrals and information on community resources.

From Weekly Health Page: June 25, 2006