UI NICU Expansion on the Docket

At its February meeting, the Iowa Board of Regents will consider approval of a $41 million expansion of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital. If approved, the project will build out the entirety of UI Stead Family Children’s Hospital’s seventh floor, creating 28 NICU rooms and closely mirroring the existing sixth floor NICU.

The seventh floor of UI Stead Family Children’s Hospital was specifically constructed as shell space for future build out. This forward-thinking approach allows University of Iowa Health Care to strategically expand units as needed. The NICU expansion will add needed patient rooms, a new milk and formula mixing room and numerous support spaces necessary for operation. 

“To address the maternal health crisis, we need to improve access to comprehensive care at every stage for both mother and baby,” says Denise Jamieson, MD, MPH, UI vice president for medical affairs and the Tyrone D. Artz Dean of the Carver College of Medicine. “With the shortage of OBGYN providers and more labor and delivery units closing in rural areas, we are seeing poor maternal health outcomes and more babies in need of complex neonatal care. Thankfully, Iowans are fortunate to have a national leader in survival rates for premature babies right here in our state. Expanding the capabilities of our NICU will allow us to increase access for the families who need us.”

The seventh floor NICU expansion will be funded by University Hospitals Building Usage Funds.