Balancing life as a new parent is hard enough, but for those with a child in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) the challenges become even greater. Add in restrictions from a worldwide pandemic and the ability for many families to see their babies becomes even more challenging. Now, thanks to the kindness of several loyal donors and a grant from The Superhero Project, families at the Moore Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Chester County Hospital (CCH) can see their babies 24/7.
With AngelEye Health’s secure, live stream video, families can see their baby anytime, anywhere, using an app on their phone, computer, or tablet. The technology also includes a one-way patient update tool that allows the clinical staff to send parents care updates and fun moments through text, photo, or recorded video.
“Parents tell us they wish they could be here in person all the time, but that these cameras are the next best thing and they hope it will help reduce their anxiety at home knowing they can check in whenever they want,” said Jennifer Cohen, MD, MMSc, medical director of the NICU for CHOP Newborn Care Network at CCH, adding “I hope this helps moms take care of themselves more, realize they don’t need to be at the bedside 24/7, and be more confident in their decisions to go home and care for themselves, their loved ones, and the rest of their family.”
NICU mom Katrina Dougherty said “the hardest part about this experience is leaving, going home and not bringing her with me.” Having a toddler at home adds an extra layer of daily planning and most times means she and her husband cannot be at the hospital together. “Having this camera will definitely help us feel less lonely.” Dania Wilson, mother of baby Sadie who was born at just 25 weeks, said, “The rollercoaster of emotions in the NICU is hard enough to handle. I’m thankful these cameras will allow our families to see her. Knowing we have eyes on her at all times is such a relief.”
CCH is not the only Penn Medicine hospital to offer this new technology in an intensive care nursery. Both Pennsylvania Hospital and Princeton Medical Center have added AngelEye cameras to each of their infant bedsides in the ICN as well!