Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at PeaceHealth Southwest

Who we are

Every baby is special and needs the nurturing that loving parents provide in order to thrive. Sometimes, babies are even more fragile, born with special medical needs. PeaceHealth Southwest offers specialized treatment for these newborns in the Holtzman Twins Special Care Nursery/Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).

The Holtzman Twins Special Care Nursery is housed within PeaceHealth Southwest’s Family Birth Center. The nursery is designed to keep mom and baby close by offering private rooms with sleeping accommodations, so parents can be near their baby at all times.

A recent expansion of the Holtzman Twins Special Care Nursery and the NICU has increased capacity so we can better care for even more of these special babies and their families. We’re grateful to the David and Patricia Nierenberg family for the donation that made this expansion possible.

What we do

• We offer state-of-the-art-technology, dedicated respiratory service for the newborn, a dedicated pharmacy specializing in newborns, and specialized nursing staff certified in neonatal intensive care nursery.
• Our experienced team of board-certified neonatologists or neonatal nurse practitioners, from OHSU Doernbecher Children's Hospital's nationally ranked Neonatal Care Center, are on staff 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Support the NICU

You can help support the most fragile infants in our community by purchasing an art glass Tribute Tile to honor a beloved baby or anyone who is near to your heart. Your tile will be installed in our Family Birth Center and will remain a lasting tribute to that special someone.

Watch a KGW story about our NICU music therapy program

NICU Graduate Assessment Program (GAP)

The NICU Graduate Assessment Program (GAP) is a NICU follow-up clinic that provides a detailed assessment of babies and children at risk for developmental delay.

We partner with parents and guardians to provide the education, skills and support required to make a lasting difference.

What We Do

PeaceHealth cares about how you and your baby grow together. This program provides a comprehensive assessment of a child’s neuromotor function, growth and nutrition, language and motor development, and social skills. We know that when we identify developmental needs as early as possible, we can help provide the guidance, services and family support you need to help your child develop to their fullest potential.   

We evaluate babies and children at regular intervals, based on their medical and developmental history. Our team is made up of a pediatrician, a neonatologist, physical and occupational therapists, and a social worker. 

Who We Serve

Infants and children birth to age three who have experienced prematurity, low birth weight, and those with special care needs during the newborn period. 

What to expect

• Evaluation and physical exam to determine need for services such as physical, occupational or speech therapy.
• Immediate feedback about child’s test results, and recommendations for therapies or activities, if needed.
• Referral to specialists, if needed.
• Coordination of care with your child’s pediatrician and other healthcare providers.
• Assessment of family’s needs and assistance in accessing resources.

Our clinic is funded by generous community support from the Nierenberg NICU Development Outcomes Fund.