What does NICU stand for?

NICU stands for Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. This designation is specifically used to describe a specialized department in a hospital that provides critical care to newborn infants who are ill or born prematurely. The NICU is equipped with advanced medical technology and staffed by healthcare professionals who are trained to address the unique health challenges these vulnerable patients face.

The distinction in terminology is important in healthcare settings to ensure that parents and medical professionals understand the specific type of care being provided to newborns requiring intensive medical attention. Other terms, while they might sound relevant, refer to different units or types of care and do not address the neonatal focus that the NICU represents.