Staffed by a neonatalogist, pediatricians and registered nurses, the ICNs are specifically geared to premature babies, babies with low birth weight and babies in distress who require a higher level of observation and monitoring.  Babies stay several days to a few weeks while they gain weight, grow stronger, and stabilize.  Many of the children in the Caritas Health Group's 27 ICN bassinets have been transferred from other hospitals in and around Edmonton.

Involving parents is key to the healing process.  "Most parents don't want to leave their little ones for any length of time," says Gail.  "They want to be around to cuddle them, feed them, and just be with them as much as they can.  They want to talk to the caregivers and specialists and understand what's going on.  We support that in every way we can.

Both hospitals offer hospitals offer hostel rooms to parents so that they can be close by and available to feed their little one.  The hostel service provides mothers with a bed close to the unit, as well as such amenities as a refrigerator.  "It gives parents peace of mind and makes sense for the baby and the entire care team," says Gail.  "Mom can be in the hospital to support her baby and we can be here to support her."