Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)

If your newborn has complications at birth, it can be an overwhelming experience. You and your family can rest reassured, knowing that there is high-quality, specialized care nearby at our Level III neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) in Tacoma.

Advanced care for premature and critically ill newborns

At CHI Franciscan Health, we’re dedicated to providing the best possible start for your new baby. At St. Joseph Medical Center, neonatologists and other specially trained clinicians in our Level III NICU are ready to provide care at a moment’s notice, 24 hours a day. View our NICU video to see our facilities and hear from our staff.

Through our partnership with Seattle Children’s Hospital, we extend world-class neonatal care throughout the Puget Sound. Learn more about our partnership with Seattle Children’s Neonatology.

Level III NICU: Priority care for critical infants

Neonatal specialists in our Level III NICU care exclusively for critically ill newborns, preemies and fragile infants with special medical needs. In our Level III NICU, we provide:

24-hour critical newborn care

Seattle Children’s neonatologists and neonatal nurse practitioners provide round-the-clock care for premature and critically ill newborns at St. Joseph

Specialized care for the most critically ill infants

We care for premature babies who are born as early as 25 week's gestation

Team of neonatal specialists

Our highly skilled team includes consulting specialists, specially trained registered nurses, dietitians, pharmacists and therapists specializing in newborns

Family-centered care

We work to provide frequent updates on your baby’s progress and help you spend as much time as possible with your baby until he or she is ready to go home

Breastfeeding support

Given by our certified lactation consultants, including inpatient NICU visits and outpatient follow-up (by appointment only)

Download our free guide

Preparing for childbirth can be overwhelming. To help you get started, we’ve created a free downloadable guide that provides everything you need to know as you take your first steps toward motherhood with CHI Franciscan.