Reston Hospital Center expands intensive care unit for youngest patients

Reston Hospital Center has officially expanded its intensive care unit for its youngest patients.

Earlier this month, the hospital at 1850 Town Center Parkway celebrated the expansion of its Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) — which serves seriously ill babies.

The expansion boosts the space’s capacity from 16 to 29 beds with seven private and three semi-private rooms. The expansion also includes new equipment, furniture, a family waiting area and nurses’ station.

As part of the project, the hospital installed a live-streaming, encrypted video system that allows families to see their child.

“This NICU expansion is a meaningful step in Reston Hospital’s overall growth plan and in our continued commitment to meet the evolving healthcare needs of the Northern Virginia region,” John Deardorff, the hospital’s chief executive officer, said.

Reston Hospital, which works with Children’s National Hospital in D.C. to provide services, has been enhancing its facilities for pregnant patients and new parents in recent years. The hospital unveiled renovated labor and delivery rooms last year, and this past fall, it launched a mental health program for perinatal and postpartum women.

“Our team takes a family-centered care approach to really get to know the families and their challenges, preferences and wishes,” Reston Hospital Director of Women’s and Children’s Services Nancy Duryee said.

The new NICU space also includes a wall of hope, which highlights the stories of babies and families.

“The NICU can be a very stressful, scary time for parents and we want them to see other families who have been here and have made it ot the other side,” Dawn Brittingham, the NICU manager, said. “Even though it is in the NICU, they can feel hopeful.”