Baby Treasure Thrives as First Patient in Phoebe’s New NICU

Albany, GA | January 17, 2025 –Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital (PPMH) successfully opened its new Trauma & Critical Care Tower Wednesday, transitioning emergency services from its previous Emergency Center to its new Emergency & Trauma Center and moving patients from its Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and Surgical Intensive Care Unit (SICU) to much larger and more modern and efficient units in the new tower.

The first NICU patient to be transferred to the new unit has been in Phoebe’s NICU longer than any other current patient. The tower’s opening day was Treasure Williams’ 132nd day in the NICU, which serves as one of six regional perinatal centers in Georgia, providing the highest level of care and comfort for premature and critically ill babies born in 22 area counties. Born at just 25 weeks on September 6, 2024, Treasure weighed only one pound, six ounces and could fit in the palm of her mother’s hand. Today, she weighs a healthy nine pounds, two ounces and is thriving thanks to the exceptional care she received from Phoebe’s NICU team.

A first-time mom at age 42, Taleasha Williams expressed her gratitude for the NICU team’s dedication and hard work. “They walked with me every step of the way, teaching me how to care for Treasure and showing me the signs to look for as a new mom. This team is truly remarkable. It’s been a long journey, but it was all worth it,” Williams said.

The newly upgraded NICU features private rooms, improved lighting, and a spacious, family-friendly environment to ensure parents have the privacy and comfort they need during their stay. Taleasha praised the new space, noting, “It’s such a welcoming and comfortable place. I love the lighting, it’s spacious and the privacy of the room makes all the difference, and I know future families will benefit tremendously from these upgrades,” she said.

The transition to the new NICU was celebrated with fanfare, as Treasure was welcomed into the unit by cheering members of the Phoebe Family. “It brought tears to my eyes to see her walk the red carpet as the first patient in this new NICU,” said Williams.

Treasure’s story is a testament to the expert care and support provided by Phoebe’s NICU team, who work tirelessly to ensure that every baby and family has the best possible outcome. The new NICU will enable Phoebe to continue providing this exceptional level of care while offering a more comfortable and private experience for families.

As Taleasha prepares to take Treasure home, she reflected on the significance of this milestone. “It’s been a long time coming, but we’re ready. I know she was in the best hands; she had the most incredible team. All the nurses were so hands-on, and they all love her. It was a journey for us all and we are almost at the finish line. I’m so grateful for everything the NICU team has done for us,” said Williams.

The NICU now has room to care for 48 babies with significant surge capacity, if needed. The previous NICU was licensed for 27 beds, but the daily census was typically significantly higher.

“The care we received is the best you can get. The NICU is going to be very welcoming. With the old NICU, babies were in arms-reach of you. So, now being in this new space, and having your own room with that added privacy is going to do wonders for the upcoming babies and families that have to be here,” Williams said. “It will make their stay so pleasant.”