Abrazo Arrowhead Campus announced Tuesday an upcoming $14 million expansion of the hospital’s neonatal unit for preterm babies.

More than 3,000 babies, including high order multiple births like triplets, are born every year on the Glendale campus located at 18701 N. 67th Ave.

The 8,500 square foot addition will increase the neonatal unit from 21 to 35 beds. It will also support capabilities to pursue certification as a higher Level IIIB Neonatal Intensive Care Unit for more complex maternal and neonatal medical conditions, obstetric and fetal complications, according to a news release.

The new addition will be built adjacent to Abrazo Arrowhead’s existing Level IIIA perinatal care center. Expansion construction preparations are underway with the project expected to be finished in late 2023.

“Our existing nursery will continue to be open and available during construction,” Abrazo Arrowhead Campus CEO Stephen Garner stated. “The expansion will allow our providers and caregivers to offer an even higher level and care for babies of all gestational ages after the new unit is certified by the state.”

Abrazo Arrowhead is already certified to care for premature infants as young as 28 weeks gestation. Pursuit of the Level IIIB NICU certification means the hospital will be capable of providing complex care for babies of any gestational age, said Chief Nursing Officer Julie Bowman.

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