UAMS and Arkansas Children’s Hospital
The neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) at both the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and Arkansas Children’s Hospital have specially trained staff to care for your premature or sick baby. Both hospitals are dedicated to making sure your child gets safe, compassionate, high-quality care. Parents are an important part of the team at both hospitals. Ask about the best way to help take part in your baby’s care.
Why does my baby need to transfer?
UAMS and ACH both have outstanding NICUs. ACH is the only level 4 NICU in Arkansas, and there are specially trained doctors and surgeons at ACH who can help babies who need certain procedures. ACH also has whole body cooling and ECMO to provide heart and lung bypass support outside the baby’s body. Babies who will need follow-up care after they leave the NICU may also be transferred to ACH so they can begin care with their team of providers.
Where will we stay?
UAMS has all private rooms with space for two adults to stay with each baby. ACH has a limited number of private rooms available for patients closer to discharge. There is limited space for personal belongings at ACH, so please bring only the basics you’ll need for your stay. For longer stays, please talk with a care manager about staying at the UAMS Family Home or the Ronald McDonald House.
Is there someone I can talk to?
Doctors, nurses, and social workers at both hospitals can talk with you about services for you and your family and ways you can help your baby. ACH also has patient care managers, child life specialists, other support staff and parent mentors who can answer many of your questions.
At UAMS, your nurse, patient educators and care managers are available to answer any questions. The two hospitals both welcome families to be with their babies. Please ask at the front desk or talk with your nurse about specific questions.
| UAMS | Arkansas Children’s Hospital | |
|---|---|---|
| Doctors with special training for premature babies | Y | Y |
| A care team who will work with you and your baby. The team is lead by a pediatrician or neonatologist | Y | Y |
| Doctors, nurses and respiratory therapists available at all times | Y | Y |
| Social workers, speech therapists, occupational therapists, pharmacists and experts in diet and breastfeeding are available | Y | Y |
| Staff help train new doctors (residents) and those getting advanced training (fellows), nurses and other health care workers. | Y | Y |
| Conduct research to improve care for premature babies | Y | Y |
| Care for babies from across Arkansas | Y | Y |
| Use the newest equipment and technology | Y | Y |
| Transport recovering babies back to their local hospital if needed | Y | Y |
| Tours available to help you plan your baby’s stay | Y | Y |
| Cameras available for approved family members to see your baby | Y | Y |
| Parents and guardians are welcome in the NICU at all times | Y | Y |
| Private breast pumping area with high quality electric pumps | Y | Y |
| Pediatric surgeons and other specialists for premature babies | Y | |
| Private rooms for each family and their baby or babies | Y | |
| Clinics for follow-up care after baby goes home | Y |