INDIANAPOLIS — Ascension St. Vincent broke ground on a new women's and children's tower at their West 86th Street campus Tuesday.
The new construction is just one of several new projects announced in May of 2021. The $325 million expansion also includes a brain and spine hospital, plus a new parking garage and additional surface parking.
The construction of the tower means the current women's hospital will relocate from Township Line Road to the main 86th Street campus. The new tower, estimated to be 268,000 square feet, will include 109 additional private NICU rooms.
In the new private NICU rooms, moms and babies can be in the same room while receiving treatment. This also means that parents can be in the rooms at any hour of the day.
"The private room model has become the standard of care," Dr. Taha A. Ben Saad said. "Our team is excited and proud to offer this opportunity to our patients."
The tower will also connect to Peyton Manning Children's Hospital, providing convenient access to staff at both specialty hospitals.
"When both mom and baby need extensive care, we don't want there to be a delay in getting either exactly what they need," said Dr. Tovah Buikema, director of maternal and fetal medicine. "With experts in both fields, OB and Neonatology on the same floor, working side by side daily, we're setting our patients up for success. Our ultimate goal is to send mom and baby home happy and healthy, and reduce maternal and infant mortalities in Indiana."
This facility will help mothers and babies like Misty and Chase Monson, who were patients in fall 2021. Misty was diagnosed with COVID-19 while pregnant and was the first maternal patient at the hospital to be placed on an ECMO.
"I am excited for the future moms who will be able to watch the progress of their child and hold them and just talk to them whenever they want," she said. "This new facility is going to be amazing for future moms in similar situations."
Misty was unable to see Chase until six days after he was born, when her body was finally able to fight the virus.
Ascension St. Vincent Women's Hospital is one of only two Level IV Perinatal Healthcare Centers in Indiana, meaning it provides comprehensive medical and surgical care to the most acutely ill and medically complex mothers and infants.