The Family Birthplace at Stafford Hospital Expands Newborn Care to a Level II Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Fredericksburg, VA, May 4, 2022 – The Family Birthplace at Stafford Hospital is proud to announce its expansion of newborn care to a Level II Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Prior to the expansion, Stafford Hospital offered specialized care for babies born at 34 weeks or later in their Intermediate Level II Nursery but is now able to care for babies born 33 weeks or later.

Allison Markowsky, MD, Medical Director, Children’s National Pediatric Hospitalist Program at Mary Washington Healthcare says, “We are so elated to provide a Level II NICU at Stafford Hospital. The team has worked hard to make this happen and we are honored to provide this level of care for our little ones and their families in the Stafford community and beyond.”

Stafford Hospital’s Level II NICU consists of six beds and will continue to provide care for babies who are born early, have lower than average birth weight, feeding difficulties, infections, or mild breathing problems.

The NICU is staffed by board-certified physicians in partnership with Children’s National Hospital. The pediatric hospitalists are on site 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and consultation with neonatologists at Mary Washington Hospital’s (MWH) Level III NICU is available around-the-clock. For babies who need a higher level of care, the MWH Neonatal Transport team provides transportation to the Level III NICU at MWH. Babies needing Level IV care will be transported to Children’s National by their dedicated team.

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About Mary Washington Healthcare:

Mary Washington Healthcare is a fully integrated, regional medical system that provides inpatient and outpatient care through over 50 facilities including Mary Washington Hospital, a 471-bed regional medical center, and Stafford Hospital, a 100-bed community hospital. Mary Washington Healthcare is a non-profit health system with a longstanding commitment to provide care regardless of ability to pay. For more information about our services and facilities, visit mwhc.com.

About Children’s National Hospital:

Children’s National Hospital, based in Washington, D.C., was established in 1870 to help every child grow up stronger. Today, it is among the nation’s top 10 children’s hospitals. It is ranked No. 1 for newborn care for the fifth straight year and ranked in all specialties evaluated by U.S. News & World Report. Children’s National is transforming pediatric medicine for all children. The Children’s National Research & Innovation Campus opened in 2021, a first-of-its-kind pediatric hub dedicated to developing new and better ways to care for kids. Children’s National has been designated three times in a row as a Magnet® hospital, demonstrating the highest standards of nursing and patient care delivery. This pediatric academic health system offers expert care through a convenient, community-based primary care network and specialty care locations in the D.C. metropolitan area, including Maryland and Virginia. Children’s National is home to the Children’s National Research Institute and Sheikh Zayed Institute for Pediatric Surgical Innovation. It is recognized for its expertise and innovation in pediatric care and as a strong voice for children through advocacy at the local, regional and national levels. As a non-profit, Children's National relies on generous donors to help ensure that every child receives the care they need. For more information, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn.