Over the last decade, more families than ever have relied on the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at Marshfield Children’s Hospital for specialized care during some of life’s most critical moments.
As the region’s only Level III NICU connected to a designated children’s hospital, the unit cared for more than 250 high-risk infants from across northcentral Wisconsin and Upper Michigan last year alone.
To meet the growing need for advanced neonatal care, Marshfield Children’s Hospital announced plans to build a new, family-centered NICU that will enhance care for fragile newborns while creating a more supportive environment for parents and loved ones.
The project, which is part of a multi-phased effort to reimagine intensive care spaces on the Marshfield Medical Center campus, will launch thanks to more than $12.5 million in philanthropic gifts from visionary donors who are passionate about creating a NICU where the little things matter most, said Teri Wilczek, vice president for the Sanford Health Foundation, Marshfield Clinic.
“We are beyond grateful to everyone who has stepped forward to make our dream for a new NICU a reality, including our NICU Campaign Co-Chairs Dr. Edna DeVries and Dr. Bill Hocking, our emeritus physicians and leaders who have committed more than $1.6 million as part of this campaign and area donors,” she said. “Their leadership, ideas and charitable investments will help us create a NICU where our tiniest infants can grow stronger, where families can stay close to their babies, where caregivers have the tools they need to provide extraordinary care and where countless future stories of hope will begin.”
Big Care for Our Littlest Patients
In collaboration with pediatric care teams, the new NICU will enhance the care experience for babies and their families. It will feature:
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- 26 private rooms in a space more than twice the size of the current NICU, allowing parents and guardians to stay overnight with their infants
- Innovative care with the latest equipment and technology, as well as access to breakthroughs in research at the Marshfield Clinic Research Institute
- Dedicated spaces for families to gather and find support during a NICU journey
- Areas for NICU staff to collaborate on care plans and focus on wellness
- Services for families like child life and music therapy in partnership with Children’s Miracle Network
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Dr. Brian Hoerneman serves as president & CEO for Sanford Health Marshfield Clinic. He called the project a game-changer for local patients and families.
“The Marshfield Children’s NICU has been caring for high-risk infants for more than 50 years. Over that time, its lifesaving mission has not changed, but the needs of our patients have. As more families with more complex needs turn to us, the need for a new NICU is greater than ever,” he said.
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The early response to this project has been incredible and speaks volumes about this community. People here understand what’s at stake when a newborn needs specialized care. Every gift to this project sends a powerful message to local families that they are not alone. We are so grateful.
President & CEO of Sanford Health Marshfield Clinic
Next Steps
Construction for the new NICU is expected to begin in late 2027. Once it opens, ongoing support from local donors will be needed to support the ongoing needs of infants and families including:
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- Vital equipment like isolettes and Giraffe Omnibeds, which create a safe, controlled environment for premature and critically ill infants
- Technology like NicView cameras, which helps parents and loved ones stay connected to their babies when they can’t be physically present
- Programs and services like child life and music therapy, which help soothe babies and support family members
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Give for Children. Give for Good.
If you’re inspired by this project, give to support the Marshfield Children’s NICU today. 100% of your gift will help us build and sustain a NICU where the little things matter most.
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