News Release

February 21, 2005

Contact: Kristina Goodnough, 860-679-3700
e-mail: goodnough@nso.uchc.edu

Children and Families Invited to Celebrate 30th Anniversary of Newborn Intensive Care Nurseries at UConn Health Center

FARMINGTON, CONN. – Babies cared for in the Newborn Intensive Care Nurseries at UConn Health Center and their families are invited to return and help celebrate the program’s 30th anniversary on Saturday, May 21, from 1 to 4 p.m.

The Health Center’s intensive care nurseries, which serve as a referral center for high-risk pregnancies and births throughout the state, admit about 500 babies each year. Some babies who are basically healthy but have trouble transitioning from the womb to the world and experience respiratory distress, among other things, might stay in the nursery for a few days. The tiniest premature babies, who require the highest level of care, may stay in the nursery for months.

“Family members and hospital staff often become very close during a baby’s stay in our intensive care nursery. The anniversary celebration gives us all a chance to visit and catch up and to celebrate the life-giving support we provide,” says Rachel Schmitt, nursing manager.

The May 21 celebration will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. in the tent set up for graduation ceremonies and there will be games and programs for the youngsters and their families. It is free and open to all children who were cared for in the Newborn Intensive Care Nurseries and their family members. To obtain more information about the 30th Anniversary Celebration, or to register to participate, call UConn Link at 800-535-6232 or 860-679-7692.

UConn Health includes the schools of medicine and dental medicine, the UConn Medical Group, University Dentists, and John Dempsey Hospital. Home to Bioscience Connecticut, UConn Health pursues a mission of providing outstanding health care education in an environment of exemplary patient care, research and public service. More information about UConn Health is available at www.uchc.edu.

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