Dignity Health St. John’s Regional Medical Center’s New NICU Celebrates the ‘Graduation’ of its First Patient
OXNARD, CA – October 19, 2020 – The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) team at Dignity Health St. John’s Regional Medical Center celebrated on Saturday, October 17th, the graduation of Victoria Magaña, the first patient in the brand new NICU, as she was released home to her family. For the special day, baby Victoria wore a graduation cap and was carried out of the unit as her care team played “Pomp and Circumstance” in the background.
Born at just 31 weeks at 4 lbs. 3 oz., baby Victoria received specialized care in the state-of-the-art Level III NICU, which opened its doors the same day as her birth. The new 12,000-square-foot unit is twice the size of the hospital’s previous NICU and features 20 all private rooms, allowing parents to stay close to their newborns. As the first infant to be cared for in the new facility, it was a celebration for all staff and physicians as she was discharged from the unit.
The new all-private room NICU creates a healing atmosphere for baby with ample space and privacy for parents. Private suites allow for parents to stay overnight with their newborn, while creating a more collaborative relationship between parents and care team. In addition, the unit includes a family lounge with a kitchenette and shower to ensure the comfort of the parents.
“Victoria’s arrival took us by surprise,” said Julio Magaña, Victoria’s father. “Looking back, I am so thankful for the five-star care that she received. Being able to stay with our baby with the added comforts of home made a stressful time more manageable.”
After 39 days in the NICU, now weighing 5 lbs. 8 oz., the proud mom and dad were able to take their ‘princess’ Victoria home, to meet her older brothers.
The Maternity and Birthing Center at SJRMC offers a loving start for every baby and loving care for every mom. Our private labor and delivery, and recovery suites are equipped with advanced equipment to ensure the safety of the mother and baby.
SJRMC has obstetricians on-site 24/7, as well as highly trained labor, delivery, and pediatric nurses, to ensure that mothers and babies receive the highest level of care at all times. To learn more about the Maternity and Birthing Center visit, dignityhealth.org/central-coast/locations/stjohnsregional/services/maternity-and-birth-center.
[Photos: Left-Victoria's parents and SJRMC Nurses celebrate Victoria's NICU graduation; Middle-Victoria and Mom; Right-Victoria]
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About Dignity Health St. John’s Regional Medical Center
St. John’s Regional Medical Center is a 265-bed acute care, award-winning facility. Serving Ventura County for more than one hundred years, St. John’s is the first and only Certified Thrombectomy-Capable Stroke Center in Ventura County and a recipient of the American Heart Association’s, Get with the Guidelines-Stroke Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award. Designated as a STEMI Receiving Center, St. John’s is highly recognized in the community for excellence in cardiac care. Our Cancer Center is accredited by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer, and our Integrated Breast Center is accredited by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers. SJRMC houses a comprehensive Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, providing specialized care to the tiniest patients as well as a Beacon Award-Winning Intensive Care Unit. Each hospital is supported by an active philanthropic Foundation to help meet the growing health care needs of our communities.
Publish date:
Monday, October 19, 2020