INSIDE BCHS – Tiny patients, mighty care: Inside neonatal intensive care unit

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Each year, the labour and delivery unit at Brantford General Hospital (BGH) welcomes about 1,500 babies into the world.

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For nearly 300 of those newborns, their first days are spent in the hospital’s neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) – a unit that brings not only specialized care to babies as early as 32 weeks old, but compassion to some of the region’s tiniest patients and their families.

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Over the years, the NICU has grown in both size and capability. What began as a small unit, has turned into a 12-bed specialized care space, equipped with advanced technology and a team of skilled professionals trained to care for premature and medically complex newborns.

“The needs of newborns in our region are growing,” explains Amy Griesser, clinical manager of BGH’s NICU, Pediatrics, and Diabetes Education. “More families are depending on us for advanced neonatal care. Our team continues to evolve — embracing new equipment, new techniques, and continuous education — to meet that demand and ensure every baby gets the best start possible.”

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A dedicated team of 25 nurses, nine pediatricians, and many other vital team members work together to provide 24/7 care, along with individualized care plans while providing many areas of support to families.

From incubators that carefully regulate temperature and monitor sound, to respiratory support systems designed for the tiniest lungs, the NICU’s technology continues to advance — allowing staff to deliver safer, more precise, and more effective care. “Technology is an incredible tool,” says Griesser, “But it’s the skill and heart of our team that truly make the difference. Every day, our staff balance medical precision with emotional support for families during what can be an overwhelming time.”

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Across Canada, more than 30,000 babies are born prematurely each year – a number that continues to rise as more families rely on specialized neonatal services closer to home.

November 17 marks World Prematurity Day, a day to recognize, honour, and raise awareness of the challenges faced by premature babies and the critical need for quality neonatal care.

At BCHS, this awareness extends beyond one day. The hospital recently launched a heartwarming “NICU Graduate” celebration, where each baby discharged from the unit receives a photo in a tiny purple graduation cap and certificate – a moment of strength, progress, and hope.

“These celebrations mean so much to our families,” Griesser shares. “It’s a joyful reminder of how far their little ones have come, and a testament to the incredible teamwork that helps them get there.”

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At BGH’s NICU, every heartbeat, every breath, and every milestone are carefully supported by a team, whose passion is as vital as their clinical expertise. “We don’t just care for babies — we treat each one that comes through our doors as if they were our own,” says Griesser. “For this team, it’s never ‘just a job’.”

For registered nurse Liz Almeida, who has been working in the NICU at BGH for nearly 40 years, the unit’s growth has been remarkable. “When I started, the technology and knowledge were nothing like what we have today,” says Almeida. “However, the one thing that hasn’t changed is our commitment. Every baby, every family, still gets the same support and care.”

She began her career on post-partum right out of nursing school in 1986 and moved to what was then called the constant care nursery a year later — where she found her dream job and never looked back. After years of full-time, part-time, and job share, Almeida retired in 2023.

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Although Almeida retired, she couldn’t stay away. Shortly after her retirement, she was back in a part-time role continuing to mentor new nurses and support families. “I really did plan on fully retiring but I missed my babies and coworkers so much that I returned to work in a part-time role six weeks later,” says Almeida. “A perfect ‘semi retirement’.”

The NICU team wear many hats, including caring for fragile babies while also supporting parents, siblings, grandparents and many other family members through a difficult journey.

“With guidance, communication, teaching, and encouragement, we watch families grow in confidence and become empowered caregivers,” says Almeida. “Helping parents reach that sense of ‘normalcy’ along their baby’s journey has been the most rewarding part of my career.”

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“The team is extremely collaborative and works seamlessly together,” says Dr. Jessica Dooley, pediatrician, chief & medical director, pediatrics, who has been a consultant pediatrician at BGH since 2017, and chief and medical director of pediatrics & NICU since 2021. “I always tell them that I would trust them with the care of my own children, which I think is the highest praise a parent can give.”

As the region’s population continues to grow, so does the demand for specialized neonatal services. BCHS is committed to meeting those needs through investment in new technology, staff development, and family centred care models that ensure every baby receives the care they need, right in the heart of Brantford.

“The NICU team is a really special group,” says Almeida. “We have an amazing team of pediatricians and RNs who work collaboratively and respectfully together, and it shows.”

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“The NICU team at BGH truly represents the future of neonatal care,” adds Griesser. “Their skill, compassion, and drive to learn are helping us meet the growing needs of our community and giving our tiniest patients a healthier tomorrow. I couldn’t be prouder of how far this unit has come, and I know without a doubt that our patients are in the very best hands.”

To support the NICU, the BCHS Foundation is hosting a Wicked-themed High Tea on November 30 at the River’s Edge at the Arlington, celebrating the strength, spirit, and sparkle of women and young girls. Proceeds from the event will go directly toward enhancing NICU services and technology at BGH.

Visit the webpage www.bchsysfoundation.org for more details on the event and other upcoming events.

Inside BCHS is provided to The Expositor by the Brant Community Healthcare System

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