Emory Johns Creek Hospital (EJCH) has installed eight new cameras in the Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).

The NICVIEW cameras allow parents to see their newborns, many of whom are born premature or critically ill, when they can't be at the hospital. EJCH's Director of Women's Services, Christine Wollenhaup, DNP, RN, says the cameras help mothers who may be unable to visit their baby, due to their medical condition.

"This will allow them to worry less – knowing that they can view their baby on the computer," says Wollenhaup.

Lauren Ray delivered her daughter, Lucinda three months early at EJCH. She stayed in the NICU for more than 80 days. Now, Ray serves as a Patient Family Advisor in Women's Services and offers support to other parents facing the same challenges.

Ray says although she lived close, she stayed at the hospital around-the-clock, because it was very difficult anytime she had to leave, even knowing her daughter would receive the best care.

"For the times that I wasn't here, I was just – my mind wasn't anywhere, but here."

Every year, EJCH delivers 1,030 babies and more than 100 are admitted to the NICU. Dozens of parents are faced with the hard decision of returning to work or going home and missing any precious moments with their newborns.

EJCH strives to keep family members involved in the planning, delivery and evaluation of health care especially when it comes to its smallest patients. The camera system and software will give parents the ability to watch live streaming video of their newborns, but also allows nursing staff to turn off the cameras during any medical procedures.

Families can access the system using a secure password to stream the video to their laptops, smart phones and tablets.

For more information on the Birth Place at Emory Johns Creek Hospital, visit emoryhealthcare.org/emoryjohnscreek.