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Stamford Health Opens The Cohen Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)
Modernized NICU increases breadth of services provided by the health system
STAMFORD, CT/ June 23, 2023 – Yesterday, Stamford Health unveiled its newly renovated Cohen Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) in the Whittingham Pavilion on the Bennett Medical Center Campus. The modernization was funded in large part by the Steven & Alexandra Cohen Foundation, which made a $5 million philanthropic commitment to the initiative in October 2021.
Donors, community & board members and Stamford Health employees attended the June 22 Grand Opening event where Stamford Health President & CEO, Kathleen Silard, and Department of Pediatrics Chair, Dr. Gerry Rakos, gave remarks and partook in the ribbon cutting ceremony, officially kicking off a new era of neonatal care at Stamford Health.
The Cohen NICU features 15 beds across five single rooms, one quad room and three double rooms, two of which are adjoining to accommodate triplets. There is also a “transition room” which allows parents to stay comfortably overnight and will be used to prepare families for a smooth discharge from the hospital. In addition to a spacious central nursing station, the NICU features a new parent and family lounge which will foster a sense of community and provide parents with a space where they can relax, review educational materials and talk with other new parents.
“The modernization of our NICU ensures that we will continue to deliver the best possible care to our tiniest patients and their parents,” said Silard. “We are grateful for the continued support of the Steven & Alexandra Cohen Foundation, whose generous commitment made this momentous occasion possible and has funded Stamford Health’s critical pediatric services like our pediatric emergency department, inpatient unit and specialty center all under the umbrella of The Cohen Children’s Institute.”
“We are proud to support neonatal care and the new NICU at Stamford Health,” said Alex Cohen, President of the Steven & Alexandra Cohen Foundation. “This updated space will ensure that mothers and babies have the best possible start at a critical moment and can access excellent care right here in our community.”
For four consecutive years, Stamford Health’s NICU has received the Press Ganey Guardian of Excellence award for patient experience. The modernization of the NICU widens the range of care Stamford Health delivers. With an updated space and new technology, The Cohen NICU is equipped to deliver best-in-class care to newborns who are preterm, have congenital defects, or are born with respiratory, neurological or other conditions.
Additional features of the new NICU include acoustic separation to reduce noise, adjustable circadian lighting and enhanced privacy to allow parents to better bond with and care for their newborn(s) and to enhance each baby’s healing and growth.
The announcement is part of a multi-pronged approach from Stamford Health to increase access to women’s and babies health services in the area. In addition to the updated NICU, Stamford Health recently announced two new grants: one to fund a Community Health Worker Program focused on serving Stamford’s Haitian and Hispanic/Latino communities and another to fund breast services including mammograms, breast ultrasounds, breast MRI and biopsies for underinsured and uninsured patients. Siobhan Dolan, MD, MPH, MBA, was also recently appointed Chair, OB-GYN, for the health system.
About Stamford Health
Stamford Health is a non-profit independent health care system with more than 3,800 employees committed to caring for the community through a wide range of high-quality health and wellness services. Patients and their families receive expert, compassionate care through the system’s 305-bed Stamford Hospital; Stamford Health Medical Group, with more than 40 offices in lower Fairfield County offering primary and specialty care; a growing number of ambulatory locations across the region; and support through the Stamford Hospital Foundation.
Stamford Health is known for its expert, person-centered care through its many recognitions and partnerships. U.S. News & World Report has recognized Stamford Hospital as a High-Performing Hospital. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) rated Stamford Hospital as a five-star hospital for Overall Quality and The Leapfrog Group awarded Stamford Hospital an “A” for patient safety. The American Nurses Credentialing Center has granted Stamford Hospital Magnet Status, which recognizes superior patient care with the highest level of safety, quality, and patient satisfaction. Stamford Health is Planetree Gold-Certified for Excellence in Person-Centered Care and is a Certified™ Great Place to Work.
Stamford Health is a major teaching affiliate of the Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons and has recently expanded its relationship with Columbia to offer treatment and expertise from Columbia University Irving Medical Center’s nationally recognized heart surgeons. Stamford Health and Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) have created a premier center for specialty orthopedic care right in Stamford, Connecticut. Additionally, in 2020 Stamford Health’s Carl & Dorothy Bennett Cancer Center entered into an expanded collaboration with Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center.
Dedicated to being the community’s most trusted health care partner, Stamford Health puts patients first to build long-lasting relationships. For more information, visit StamfordHealth.org. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn.