Nemours Opens Hotel-Inspired Unit for High-Risk Pregnancies

Nemours Children's Health has opened a new advanced delivery unit in Wilmington, Delaware, offering specialized care for mothers facing high-risk pregnancies. The unit is designed to resemble a more residential space, aiming to mitigate the anxiety patients may experience during extended stays.

The unit features spacious bathrooms, artwork, and large windows overlooking the Nemours estate. Rooms include cabinets and shelves for family members to use during long visits. The space also incorporates desks, private phone booths, and lounge areas. Design considerations extend to family needs, with kitchen facilities available for gatherings or celebrations.

Dr. Julie Moldenhauer, a maternal-fetal medicine specialist at Nemours, stated that the unit redefines the hospital environment. "People think of these worst-case scenarios as ending up in some horrible ICU setting," Moldenhauer said. "We've aimed to create a space that feels like a home away from home."

Developed in collaboration with architecture firm Perkins&Will and Nemours medical staff, the unit focuses on minimizing stress and anxiety. It includes enclosed care team areas for patient privacy. Additionally, rooms feature a separate space for immediate newborn care procedures, designed to be unobtrusive during delivery.