A new addition to the Mills Memorial Hospital rebuild is in the works to care for the northwest’s youngest patients.

Following their 4th annual Kitsumkalum Walk for Health on June 3, the Dr. R.E.M Lee Hospital Foundation announced their "Closer to Home" project, which will bring a tier 3 neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) to Terrace.

Currently, Mills is able to care for patients who are born at 37 weeks of gestation and on. A tier 3 NICU would provide the resources to care for patients born at 34 weeks, and as early as 32 weeks in emergencies.

Jeff Sodowsky, Global Philanthropic’s Pacific Vice President and Campaign Director for the foundation, says that the while the plans to add the unit to the 4th floor have already been approved by Northern Health, they’re now in the throws of fundraising the $14.5 million needed.

Included in that price is the addition of four beds and the specialized equipment that treats pre-term babies, like incubators and respirators; but it also includes amenities for family members facing longer hospital stays, like a kitchenette and laundry facilities.

Sodowsky also explained that premature infants who need a higher level of care can transition back home sooner through the new NICU.

The foundation hopes to hit its fundraising goal by early 2024, with the opening of the hospital planned for later that year.

Listen to the CFNR radio story with Jeff Sodowsky below: