Hennepin Healthcare’s NICU Adds New Technology to Keep Parents Connected to Their Fragile Newborns

AngelEye Cameras watch over infants when parents can’t be in the hospital

Technology plays a critical role in keeping premature and fragile newborns. Now it’s also keeping the babies’ parents connected when they can’t be in the NICU. It’s called AngelEye Health, and Hennepin Healthcare is the first hospital to offer this in the Twin Cities.  

“Nobody wants to leave their baby behind,” says Laura Gary, RN, MSN, Nurse Manager of the Newborn Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Hennepin Healthcare. “But these new cameras give parents the peace-of-mind that they can check-in on their little ones whenever they want to. While it’s not the same as holding them in your arms, at this time, it may be the next best thing.”

With AngelEye’s secure, live-stream video, families can see their child’s progress 24/7 using their phone, computer, or tablet. The camera is at the bedside, capturing their every movement in real-time. The easy-to-access App also includes a One-way Patient Update tool that allows the clinical staff to send parents vital updates and precious moments through text, photo, or recorded video, further engaging parents in their infant’s care.

“Moms can share this streaming service with whomever she chooses,” explains Gary. “So if grandparents live overseas, or aunts and uncles live in other states, this platform brings them all together to see their newest family member.”

“It’s my new favorite TV show!” said Dominique Nelson, who recently gave birth to premature twins. “I love it.”

This AngelEye Technology offered by Hennepin Healthcare keeps parents actively involved with their infant’s care team, and can prepare them to care for their fragile little one when it’s time to take their baby home.

Thanks to generous supporters of the Hennepin Heroes fund, Hennepin Healthcare Foundation was able to launch the AngelEye service in the NICU last week, the day before Christmas.

About Hennepin Healthcare
Hennepin Healthcare is an integrated system of care that includes HCMC, a nationally recognized Level I Adult Trauma Center and Level I Pediatric Trauma Center and acute care hospital located in downtown Minneapolis offering a full spectrum of inpatient and outpatient pediatric care, including The Birth Center.

About AngelEye Health
AngelEye’s HIPAA-compliant TeleEngagement Solutions are now supporting staff and families in over 90 facilities nationwide. Solutions include an advanced Camera System, bringing live-streaming patient video to families to reduce stress and anxiety, and support bonding when they cannot be at the hospital.  One-way Patient Updates that allow care teams to share patient status updates and memorable moments with real-time texts, pictures, and recorded videos. And, a customizable Parent Education Portal where hospitals can provide essential education and monitor parents’ progress on their infant’s path to discharge. These Solutions support care team workflows and give families a view into the treatment plan and progress their baby is making from any connected device.

Angel Eye is located in Nashville, Tennessee and Little Rock, Arkansas.  For more information, please visit www.angeleye.health.