Province Announces Start of Construction on Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Brandon Regional Health Centre

The Manitoba government has approved construction of the new neonatal intensive care Unit (NICU) at Brandon Regional Health Centre, improving access to specialized care for newborns and their families in the Westman region, Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care Minister Uzoma Asagwara announced today.

“Every newborn deserves the best possible start in life and every family deserves to be close to their babies during some of the most challenging moments they may face,” said Asagwara. “This new NICU will provide families a modern, family-centred environment that supports high-quality care, privacy and comfort for families, while ensuring Manitoba’s youngest patients get the specialized care they need close to home.”

The $20.7-million project is being built on the fourth floor of the health centre’s critical care building and is expected to welcome its first patients in 2028. The new unit will include 21 private care rooms, with capacity for up to 24 beds, including rooms to accommodate twins. Each room will feature a sleeper chair to allow a parent or caregiver to remain close to their baby.

“Prairie Mountain Health is excited to see the final construction phase of the critical care building now underway,” said Treena Slate, CEO, Prairie Mountain Health. “Once completed, the new NICU will have a lasting impact on health care across our region, ensuring patients and families continue to receive specialized care closer to home. I want to thank our staff and physicians for their leadership in developing the vision behind this initiative.”

The NICU will include a procedure room, charting stations designed to support close patient monitoring, a dedicated breast milk preparation room, and family amenities, including a lounge with a kitchenette, shower facilities and public washrooms. The new space will also be directly connected to the labour and delivery unit, ensuring families remain connected throughout their care.

The new NICU is part of the Manitoba government’s ongoing work to strengthen health-care services across the province and improve access to care closer to home. Since October 2023, the Manitoba government has invested $137 million in Brandon Regional Health Centre to expand critical care and inpatient medicine services, along with upgrades to supporting infrastructure.