The Johnson Center for Pregnancy and Newborn Services at Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford has reached a significant milestone with the opening of an enhanced 16-bed Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Named the Axe and Blaise Wanstrath Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, this renovated space reflects five years of meticulous planning and valuable insights from healthcare professionals and families. The new facility features advanced technology, family-centered design elements, and specialized accommodations for newborn twins, creating an environment conducive to recovery and development.

The Axe and Blaise Wanstrath NICU introduces a series of innovative features that prioritize both medical excellence and patient comfort. Among these are 14 newly designed rooms, including private spaces and twin-specific accommodations. These rooms facilitate around-the-clock family presence, fostering crucial bonding practices like skin-to-skin kangaroo care. Lawrence Prince, MD, PhD, Chief of the Division of Neonatal and Developmental Medicine, highlights the importance of a serene atmosphere for the smallest newborns, who require specialized protective care compared to older infants. The updated unit adapts protocols to meet the unique needs of these fragile babies and their families.

Advanced technology plays a pivotal role in enhancing care within the new NICU. Real-time monitoring systems enable parents to check on their babies via an app, while equipment designed to record and play soothing sounds from caregivers supports parent education and preparation for home life. Jacky Lam, Director of Neonatal Services, emphasizes that these innovations not only improve medical care but also help prepare parents for the transition home.

The expanded NICU is not just about cutting-edge technology and design; it significantly impacts the lives of families. Teresa Castro, whose son Jesus spent months in the NICU, notes the transformation from a crowded room to a private space as a welcome change. The new setup allows her to be closer to her son, providing undisturbed rest and more intimate bonding moments. This shift underscores the importance of a healing environment that caters to both physical and emotional well-being.

A notable addition to the NICU is the Infant Nutrition Lab, where mothers’ milk is stored and fortified to meet each baby’s nutritional needs. Managed by Clinical Food Services, this facility ensures continuous access to expressed milk, maintaining vital bonding time between parents and newborns. Beyond its current achievements, Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital plans further renovations and expansions, aiming to open new maternity and antepartum units by summer 2025.

The unveiling of the Axe and Blaise Wanstrath Neonatal Intensive Care Unit marks a transformative step in neonatal care. By integrating advanced technology, family-centered design, and specialized facilities, the hospital sets a new standard for nurturing and protecting its youngest patients. This expansion exemplifies the hospital's ongoing commitment to delivering top-tier medical care and supporting families through every step of their healthcare journey.