Mercy's Special Care Nursery Gets a Special Space

By Mercy's Madelynn Innes

This month, the nurses of Mercy Hospital Springfield’s Mother/Baby unit and Pastoral Services shared the blessing of Mercy's Special Care Nursery, led by Fr. Jerome Amaechi.

“Every one of us has the opportunity to make a difference in someone’s life,” said Fr. Jerome. “Here, in this nursery, you are making a big difference.”

Nurse manager Christa Clay and her team of 37 nurses and 10 patient care associates provide the extra care needed for newborns who are having a rough start – they may be having trouble breathing or eating, for instance. The Special Care Nursery is where Mercy can give them the care they need so they don’t have to be admitted to the NICU.

“We’re blessed to have this space, and without our donors and the Mercy Health Foundation, it wouldn’t have been possible,” Christa said.

As part of the labor & delivery expansion, the nursery was moved earlier this fall from the NICU area to 5A. “Instead of mom having to walk all the way from 5A to the NICU to nurse, their babies are right here close.”

When moms are having a longer recovery period and may not be well enough to come to the nursery, Christa said, “Having it close makes it easy for the staff to take baby back and forth to mom. The nurses assist with the newborn's feedings and care, always involving the mother if her condition allows, but giving her time to rest and heal.”

As Fr. Jerome concluded the gathering, he closed with a prayer of blessing. Learn more about Mercy Kids.