Cameras help NICU parents and babies bond at Orange Park Medical Center

Brand new technology at Orange Park Medical Center is offering peace of mind to parents with premature babies in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

The hospital unveiled the use of NICVIEW, a bedside camera that shares a live-stream of their baby through a secure and private closed system viewable on any smartphone, tablet or computer.

“In order for us to keep our tiny babies healthy, we have restricted visitation in the NICU,” said Women and Children’s Director at Orange Park Medical Center, Suzanne Jones. “This technology lets our parents see their little ones outside of visiting hours and gives siblings and other family members the chance to see the baby any time they want.”

For Molly Tyson and her fiancé, Aaron Espinoza, the birth of their son, Easton, was exciting and emotional.

In 2017, he was born three weeks early and weighed 5 pounds and 3 ounces. He spent 19 days in the NICU.

“He wasn’t fully developed so he had to learn a lot of things while he was in the NICU,” Tyson said.

Tyson said NICVIEW would have put her at ease.

“We would’ve had this set up just laying in bed at night. You know, just having our baby right next to us, that would have been awesome,” Tyson said.

Right now, the hospital has 12 cameras. NICU Supervisor Pat Ebeltoft said the technology helps parents bond with their newborn, even if they aren’t by their bedside.

“We’re really excited to offer this because we just feel like we’re helping with that connection between parents and their babies,” Ebeltoft said.

Orange Park Medical Center treats around 500 babies in their NICU each year.

Cox Media Group