Amid the beeping monitors and bustling hallways of Yuma Regional Medical Center (YRMC), a peaceful new space has been created to provide a haven for families with babies in the NICU. This week, YRMC proudly unveiled the NICU Family Room, a compassionate project designed to provide comfort and support to families going through difficult times, which was made possible by the Foundation of YRMC.
The heartwarming proposal, “Tiny Moments that Matter,” was presented by Carol Smith, R.N., a dedicated nurse, and Alexis Liggett, a former NICU patient. During Innovation Week in the fall of 2023, they brought their vision to life at YRMC’s annual Shark Tank event, advocating for a welcoming and supportive space for NICU families. Their pitch struck a chord with the judges, and thanks to the generous funding from the Foundation of YRMC, this project has now become a reality.
“For some families, the parenting room is a space to spend the night in preparation for taking their baby home, or sometimes it is a space where they will receive difficult, private news from the medical team. Every one of these situations should happen in a quiet beautiful space away from our busy unit,” said Carol Smith, RN. “Through suggestions from staff and families, we were able to design a space that serves everyone. Having the Foundation fund this project is incredibly meaningful to both our staff and families. It is evidence that family-centered care is at the forefront of what we do.”
In addition to providing a comfortable space for families, the YRMC NICU Family Room will serve as a private area where parents can receive personalized instruction on how to care for their baby at home. This crucial aspect of the room emphasizes YRMC’s dedication to supporting families beyond the hospital, ensuring a smooth transition as they care for their newborns. The Foundation generously provided $40,000 for the project, furthering its commitment to enhancing patient experiences and driving innovation and excellence in healthcare.
Alexis Liggett, who knows firsthand the importance of such a space, shared her thoughts: “The NICU Family Room improvements mean so much to me personally. When my son was born, my husband and I faced the heartbreaking news that our baby had severe complications. We were overwhelmed and needed a place to gather our strength and understand our next steps. This room will offer parents a comfortable place to rest and a private area where they can have important conversations with their caregivers. It’s a place where they can find a bit of peace during a difficult journey.”
For more information on the Foundation of YRMC, visit www.onvidahealth.org/foundation.
