Florida Hospital Altamonte is providing an important new service in Seminole County that will allow its tiniest and most vulnerable patients to get care closer to home.

The hospital debuted its new 6,208-square-foot Level II Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), which features 10 private rooms, and meets a growing need for critical care in Central Florida.

The rooms are equipped with Draeger's Babyleo TN500 IncuWarmer, which uses groundbreaking technology to regulate body heat, maximize efficiency for clinical staff and integrate families in their babies' care. The Babyleo also features low sound and light levels to create a womblike atmosphere, and has advanced safeguards against infection. Its "kangaroo mode" allows parents to more closely interact with their baby.

"We're pleased to add neonatal intensive care services to our network of care for these tiny patients and their families," said Dr. Rajan Wadhawan, chief medical officer and medical director of neonatology at Florida Hospital for Children. "Having a child in the NICU can be a stressful time for families, and it's important they have access to these services close to home."

The new NICU is part of Florida Hospital's neonatal network of care that includes 150 beds throughout Central Florida. The NICU network allows patients to receive the highest level of care, and includes a team of specialists who provide comprehensive diagnostic and therapeutic services, from minimally invasive surgery to highly complex cases, and innovative care and procedures.