Saint Francis unveils renovated NICU Family Room

Andi Hilburn-Vaini, owner of 28 Southeast Missouri McDonald's restaurants, visits with Megan Murray and son Emmit, a patient family utilizing Saint Francis Healthcare System's NICU Family Room. The renovated room gives families of critically ill infants a place to relax.

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Saint Francis Healthcare System opened its renovated NICU Family Room on Tuesday, June 25, with various health system leaders in attendance.

The family room is a space featuring a play area, snacks and drinks and privacy beds where families of critically ill infants can relax from the stress of a long hospital stay.

“These families must often leave the comforts of home for weeks to stay near their child, and we’re excited to be able to provide them with a home away from home to take a nap, do laundry, connect a laptop, get a snack or coffee, or just take a break in a calm environment during such a stressful time,” Stacy Huff, the Saint Francis Foundation executive director, said in a news release.

Funding for the family room was made possible through a $22,000 grant from Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Tri-State. Andi Hilburn-Vaini, who owns and operates 28 McDonald’s restaurants in Southeast Missouri, presented the grant.

The original family room at the medical center’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit was also funded by a grant from Ronald McDonald House Charities close to 20 years ago.

The Saint Francis Medical Center’s Level III NICU features 18 rooms and 36 beds.

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