UAMS first in state to install cameras on preemie beds

UAMS Medical Center in Little Rock and Angel Eye Care Systems worked together to install 40 new camera systems in the hospital’s neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), making it the first in the state with a camera on every preemie bed.

The camera allows parents to see their baby anytime, day or night, from their mobile phone or computer, giving new parents the opportunity to monitor their baby when they can’t be there in person. The hospital said all 64 beds now have the camera system after a successful 26-bed pilot.

“With the additional web cameras in the NICU, more parents and families will be able to have a virtual presence with their baby when they are unable to be physically in the room,” said Dr. Sarah Rhoads. “These cameras allow parents and families to have a virtual presence with their hospitalized baby and it has been a landmark UAMS patient- and family-centered care initiative.”

Chelsea Grizzelle delivered a premature daughter in January and said her husband Aaron was not able to visit the baby after her first week in the NICU, but he could check on her through Angel Eye.

“Most of the time, I can just take a look at her, relax and not even have to bother the nurse,” he said. “We’re not interrupting them and their work. We had heard about Angel Eye, but we didn’t know what it looked like. For something as small as it is, it’s been a big, positive impact on our lives.”

Angel Eye has installed its camera systems in 45 hospitals around the country.