Sierra Vista NICU Reunion Celebrates 30 Years of Miracles

Some of the smallest babies born in San Luis Obispo County throughout the last thirty years attended the annual Sierra Vista Regional Medical Center Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Reunion on October 1. 

 

Each year, nearly 200 babies born in our community receive advanced care in Sierra Vista's Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Many of these newborn infants have extreme prematurity or areotherwise critically ill. Because of the resources and expertise of the Sierra Vista NICU team, very rarely do babies need to be transferred out of the area for care. This means families are able to stay close to home, while their newborns grow and develop under the watchful care of the Sierra Vista team.

 

To celebrate these precious miracles, Sierra Vista hosts a reunion for those children and families who have "graduated" from the NICU.  The event brings together more than 400 participants from around the Central Coast community, including children  ranging in age from a few weeks to their teens and twenties! In addition to fun activities, shows and a barbeque, the reunion is an opportunity for doctors, nurses and families to reunite, share stories and inspire one another. There are also visits from local law enforcement and first responders, including a fire engine and ambulance to explore.

 

Sierra Vista Regional Medical Center first began caring for medically fragile newborns in 1986. Since that time the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit has grown into a high-level facility, providing advanced care for infants with extreme prematurity or who are critically ill. Sierra Vista offers the only NICU in San Luis Obispo County and provides both peace of mind to expecting families and the ability to remain close to home for those babies who need a little extra care following their birth. Thank you to everyone who participated in the event!