Aspirus Wausau Hospital announces opening of expanded NICU

Aspirus Health announces the opening of their expanded neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at Aspirus Wausau Hospital (AWH). The expansion includes the addition of five new NICU rooms, for a total of 17 rooms.

“This expansion means we can care for even more of the region’s most vulnerable patients – babies who are born prematurely and/or are critically ill,” said Matt Heywood, CEO & President of Aspirus Health.

Expectant parents can feel confident that, if needed, Aspirus has a Level III NICU centrally-located in Wausau.

The AWH NICU has the region’s only single-family room model for critically ill babies.

“The single rooms mean parents can stay with their baby 24/7, allowing privacy with their baby and providing the opportunity to bond and participate in their care,” said Barb Lemanski, NICU Manager. “It also provides flexibility to parents as they may need to leave and return again.”

The AWH NICU also provides special accommodations for twins and triplets.

The NICU care team includes three neonatologists (doctors trained in specialized care for critically-ill babies): Dr. Haresh Modi, who also serves as the NICU Medical Director, Dr. Michael Kuklinski, and Dr. Carlos Torres; and three Advanced Practice Nurse Practitioners: Dawne Suehring, APNP, Sarah Walder, APNP, and Heidi Hodgins, APNP.

A robust support team of specialists provides ongoing care and support to patients and their families as well, including neonatal nurses, respiratory therapists, dieticians, physical therapists, pharmacists, and cuddlers – volunteers who are trained to hold the babies.

The NICU features a NICVIEW webcam system, with a camera in every room, offering secure real-time online viewing, promoting whole-family bonding.