Tiny Patients, Mighty Care: Inside the BGH NICU

Photo: Front row from left to right: Jackie (mom), Baby Amelia (NICU graduate), Noelle (big sister), and Zack (dad). Back row from left to right: Amy Griesser (Clinical Manager of BGH’s NICU, Pediatrics, and Diabetes Education), Liz Almeida (Registered Nurse in NICU), Dr. Dooley (Pediatrician, Chief & Medical Director, Pediatrics).

Each year, the Labour and Delivery Unit at Brantford General Hospital (BGH) welcomes approximately 1,500 babies into the world. For nearly 300 of those newborns, their first days are spent in the hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) - a unit that brings not only specialized care to babies as early as 32 weeks old, but compassion to some of the region’s tiniest patients and their families.

Over the years, the NICU has grown in both size and capability. What began as a small unit, has turned into a 12-bed specialized care space, equipped with advanced technology and a team of skilled professionals trained to care for premature and medically complex newborns.

The hospital recently launched a heartwarming “NICU Graduate” celebration, where each baby discharged from the unit receives a photo in a tiny purple graduation cap and certificate – a moment of strength, progress, and hope.

“These celebrations mean so much to our families,” shares Amy Griesser, Clinical Manager of BGH’s NICU, Pediatrics, and Diabetes Education. “It’s a joyful reminder of how far their little ones have come, and a testament to the incredible teamwork that helps them get there.”

Click here to read the full InsideBCHS article.