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NICU App Bridges Distance, Connects New Parents
1 Mar
Summary
- Parents receive photos and videos of newborns in NICU.
- App enhances family connection during difficult hospital stays.
- Foundation funding enabled the app's nearly $12,000 purchase.
The Queen Elizabeth Hospital's neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) has implemented the VCreate app, a digital tool designed to keep parents closely connected with their newborns. This innovative app allows hospital staff to share text updates, images, and videos directly to parents' phones, ensuring they don't miss crucial milestones or tender moments, even when they cannot be physically present. For new mothers like Jessica MacLeod, who commutes daily, the app provides essential peace of mind and a way to share these precious updates with extended family and friends.
The VCreate app has been operational for approximately one year, significantly impacting families by offering secure and consistent communication. Neonatologist Beth Ellen Brown highlighted that parental involvement is vital for infant care, and the app facilitates this connection safely. The Queen Elizabeth Hospital Foundation, through donor funding, facilitated the app's acquisition, with the QEH Auxiliary WoHeLo sale contributing significantly to its nearly $12,000 cost, enabling immediate implementation.
Registered nurse Morgan Cornwall noted that staff enjoy using the app to celebrate even minor developments, like weight gains, which might otherwise be overlooked. This shared enthusiasm helps amplify these small victories, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose between staff and parents. The app’s creative use, including fun captions and decorations, further enhances the experience, making the challenging NICU environment more supportive and less isolating for families during a vulnerable time.
