Architecture, engineering, and design services to help right-size this NICU to allow parents to have more involvement in a child’s care

Penn Medicine – Chester County Hospital, Neo-Natal Intensive Care Unit

Parents are recognized as essential members of Chester County Hospital’s care team, and parent participation is encouraged throughout their infant’s time in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). However, patient areas in the NICU were not sized to properly accommodate both staff needs and necessary space for parents.

Penn Medicine engaged Stantec to support an expansion of the Chester County Hospital NICU, doubling the square foot size of the unit and increasing the number of beds. We designed each patient care station to accommodate space for parent and infant belongings and a parent recliner or couch with the goal to support, encourage, and communicate with families throughout their stay. The overall design of the NICU hosts a family-friendly atmosphere with a lounge for visitors and a comfortable and private breast-feeding area. Clean and calming finishes and sound absorbing flooring and ceiling finishes help eliminate unwanted noise—all helping with the overall care of the infant.

As the neonatal team treats babies who require advanced interventions, the unit is equipped with the most sophisticated technology to support the breathing needs of newborns. These new features help parents of Chester County Hospital patients take on more care of their child while still having NICU staff available.