Families in Henderson County now have access to advanced neonatal care with the opening of the Level II Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at The Baby Place at AdventHealth Hendersonville, according to a Mar. 31 announcement.
The new NICU is the first and only one in the county, allowing families to stay close during critical times after childbirth. Previously, many had to travel long distances for specialized newborn care. Now, parents can remain near their infants while receiving support from a dedicated neonatal team.
The Level II NICU is equipped to care for babies born at 32 weeks gestation or later and full-term infants needing extra medical attention. The facility features private rooms designed for family bonding and provides continuous monitoring by experienced providers and nurses around the clock.
“For families, proximity to care can make a meaningful difference during an already stressful time,” said Chloe Harden, MSN, RN, RNC-OB, C-EFM, LSSGB, Director of The Baby Place at AdventHealth Hendersonville. “This NICU allows parents to stay close to their babies while receiving the specialized support they need, right here in their community.”
Western North Carolina has seen increased demand for local neonatal services. Many families previously traveled up to 150 miles when higher-level services were unavailable. The new unit aims to reduce that burden by providing timely access within the community.
In addition to its new NICU services—which are expected to serve more than 100 additional newborns each year—The Baby Place offers comprehensive maternity care with obstetric hospitalists available around-the-clock and an OB Emergency Department. This ensures mothers and babies have immediate access before, during and after delivery.
“This is about more than advanced technology — it’s about keeping families together,” said Andrew Grein, MD, Chief of Pediatrics for AdventHealth Hendersonville. “We can now provide the right level of care close to home, helping reduce stress for parents and improving the overall experience for families.”
AdventHealth operates hospitals beyond North Carolina as well; according to its website, AdventHealth Orlando was founded in 1908 in Orlando, Florida and serves as both a pediatric hospital and training facility under President Terry Shaw.
