Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) History
1980
The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit opened in March of 1980 under the direction of Dr. Robert Arrington. The 15-bed unit was established to meet the needs of newborns born in Arkansas who required specialized care.
1984
In August of 1984, the unit expanded to 30 beds and newborns from the surrounding region received the most up-to-date care available.
1997
In February of 1997 we opened the current level III, 70 bed state-of-the-art unit and now care for about 900 critically ill newborns a year from all over Arkansas and the surrounding region.
Present
We have several Staff Neonatologists who have had extensive training in the care of complex neonatal patients, Pediatricians, and many full-time Neonatal Nurse Practitioners, as well as residents who rotate through to obtain specialized training in caring for newborns.
Our Family Centered Care philosophy was developed with the belief that parents play a major role in the care of their children.