New NICU Ribbon Cutting

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - With a snip of a yellow ribbon, University Health President and CEO Charlie Shields, along with doctors and dignitaries, marked the official opening of the hospital's new, state-of-the-art neonatal intensive care unit. Babies first arrived in the new space in September 2022, but the ribbon-cutting ceremony in April was an opportunity to share our gratitude with donors who made this important transformation possible.

"Today, all of you can be proud to know that your generosity allows us to provide an incredible level of care so all babies can get a great start in life," said Shields, who added, "Your generosity is an investment in our community."

The 20,000-square-foot space allows room for 29 incubators, family members, staff, and equipment with the latest in technology. Several rooms are set up to care for babies of multiple births.

"Each piece of equipment is interconnected and able to communicate with the others," said Joshua Petrikin, MD, the NICU medical director and Chairman of Pediatrics.

As a Level III NICU, University Health specialists are able to care for babies born at less than 32 weeks gestation, as well as those born with critical illness at all gestational ages. The NICU offers access to a full range of pediatric medical subspecialties as well as respiratory support and advanced imaging.

University Health's NICU is connected to Children's Mercy Hospital by what's called the Bridge of Hope. Newborns who need even more advanced treatment can be wheeled in isolates across the bridge from UH to Children's Mercy, which houses a Level IV NICU, the highest level of care in the region. In his comments, Shields mentioned the importance of this partnership between the two healthcare systems.

"We are not only neighbors, we are partners in caring for the youngest and most vulnerable. If a newborn needs even more specialized care, they are just steps away," Shields added.

Watch the video below to see highlights of the ribbon-cutting ceremony, including one mom's emotional reaction to seeing the new space for the first time.

For media inquiries, contact:
Keith King
Managing Director of External Communications
816-404-3773
[email protected]

Leslie Carto
Senior External Communications Manager
816-404-3776
[email protected]