DAVIE Fla. – September 18, 2024 –– September is Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) Awareness Month, and HCA Florida University Hospital is participating in the national “Babies with Books” Read-a-Thon from September 9-19. This initiative encourages parents and staff to read to the hospital’s tiniest patients, emphasizing the powerful role early literacy plays in newborn brain development.
Vanessa Phillips, Director of the NICU at HCA Florida University Hospital, highlighted the importance of incorporating reading into the care of NICU patients, stating:
“Reading is more than just an activity; it’s an opportunity for growth, connection, and development. Studies have shown that reading to newborns—especially those in the NICU—stimulates brain development and can help improve language skills later in life. Our robust reading program is designed to ensure these babies receive the best start possible, despite the challenges they may face early on.”
At HCA Florida University Hospital’s NICU, families are encouraged to make reading a part of their daily bonding routine through a dedicated reading program. “Our unit is one of the few in the country that emphasizes a developmental approach focused on the long-term healthy growth of each baby’s brain. We recognize that every intervention in the NICU—whether it’s a medical procedure, feeding strategy, or environmental modification—has an impact not just in the short term, but also on a child’s cognitive and physical development down the line,” said Dr. Benjamin Courchia, Neonatologist and Medical Director of the NICU.
HCA Florida University Hospital features a high-performing Level III NICU, offering advanced and specialized neonatal intensive care for a wide range of neonatal diseases and conditions. The NICU is staffed by a team of board-certified neonatologists, neonatal nurses, neonatal therapists, and respiratory therapists, with access to subspecialists in heart care, neurology, endocrinology, ophthalmology, orthopedics, and ENT care, ensuring comprehensive support for every newborn’s unique needs.
About HCA Florida University Hospital
HCA Florida University Hospital is a state-of-the-art, multi-specialty hospital that partners with top clinical leaders and use enhanced technology to deliver exceptional patient experiences. The comprehensive medical facility provides a full range of healthcare services to Davie, FL, and its surrounding communities, including 24/7 emergency care with board-certified emergency physicians, maternity, orthopedics, oncology, neurosciences, diagnostic services, imaging, and a full range of robotic and minimally invasive surgical services. HCA Florida University Hospital features all-private patient rooms. It is located adjacent to the campus of Nova Southeastern University in Broward County. For more information on HCA Florida University Hospital, please visit HCAFloridaHealthcare.com.
About HCA East Florida Division
HCA East Florida Division, a part of HCA Florida Healthcare, is a family of 14 hospitals, seven free-standing emergency rooms, 12 ambulatory surgery centers and 105 physician practices along the Treasure Coast and in Palm Beach, Broward and Miami-Dade Counties. More than 15,000 dedicated colleagues proudly make up the East Florida Division and are committed to improving more lives in more ways and giving back to the communities. For more information, please visit HCAFloridaHealthcare.com.
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