Santa helps NICU families celebrate the babies’ first Christmas
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (December 21, 2023) – Santa came early to the Trinity Health Grand Rapids Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) to welcome the newest additions to the ‘nice list’ and spread Christmas cheer.
“The NICU can be a challenging place to be, especially over the holidays. Being able to spread joy to our families and create positive memories makes it a little easier,’” said Kelly Wilcox, BSN, RN, C-EFM, clinical services manager of the Trinity Health Grand Rapids Birth Center. “We love celebrating with our littlest ‘gifts!’”
Because the babies are not able to leave the hospital for the traditional first visit to Santa, one of the NICU Cuddlers –– a specially trained volunteer who helps hold the NICU babies and provides extra support –– dressed up as Santa and came to them. Each family was gifted a printed photo to commemorate their first Christmas.
Trinity Health Grand Rapids NICU is a licensed 15-bed, Level III NICU, that cares for 200 to 300 newborns on the unit every year. We have successfully cared for babies born at 23 weeks gestation and weighing as little as 11 ounces. To learn more about our NICU services, visit our website.
About Trinity Health Michigan
Trinity Health Michigan is a leading health care provider and one of the state’s largest employers. With more than 24,000 full-time employees serving 29 counties, Trinity Health Michigan operates nine hospitals located in Ann Arbor, Chelsea, Grand Haven, Grand Rapids, Howell, Livonia, Muskegon, Pontiac and Shelby, and two medical groups. The health system has 2,314 beds and 5,446 physicians and advanced practice providers. With operating revenues of $4.16 billion, Trinity Health Michigan returns $184 million back to their local communities each year. Together with numerous ambulatory care locations, home health and hospice agencies and 23 senior living communities owned and/or operated by Trinity Health, Trinity Health Michigan provides the full continuum of care for Michigan residents. Trinity Health Michigan is a member of Trinity Health, one of the largest Catholic health care systems in the country serving more than 30 million people across 22 states. www.trinityhealthmichigan.org