Saint Francis unveils renovated NICU Family Room

Saint Francis Healthcare System opened its renovated NICU Family Room on Tuesday, June 25, with various health system leaders in attendance.

The family room is a space featuring a play area, snacks and drinks and privacy beds where families of critically ill infants can relax from the stress of a long hospital stay.

“These families must often leave the comforts of home for weeks to stay near their child, and we’re excited to be able to provide them with a home away from home to take a nap, do laundry, connect a laptop, get a snack or coffee, or just take a break in a calm environment during such a stressful time,” Stacy Huff, the Saint Francis Foundation executive director, said in a news release.

Funding for the family room was made possible through a $22,000 grant from Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Tri-State. Andi Hilburn-Vaini, who owns and operates 28 McDonald’s restaurants in Southeast Missouri, presented the grant.

The original family room at the medical center’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit was also funded by a grant from Ronald McDonald House Charities close to 20 years ago.

The Saint Francis Medical Center’s Level III NICU features 18 rooms and 36 beds.

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