Our NICU

Seattle Children’s Level IV NICU offers the highest level of neonatal intensive care in Washington

Seattle Children’s was the first hospital in Washington state to be designated a Level IV Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), the highest designation possible. Equipped to care for the tiniest and most critically ill newborns, Seattle Children’s 32-bed Level IV NICU receives patients from nearly all Level III NICUs in Washington and Montana.

What does “levels of care” mean?

The Washington State Department of Health and the American Academy of Pediatrics define four levels of neonatal care:

Level IV (regional NICU)

A Level IV NICU, such as Seattle Children’s, must have all of the Level III capabilities, and more. It must be located within a hospital that can provide surgery for complex conditions that are present at birth or that develop soon after delivery. A full range of pediatric medical subspecialists, pediatric surgical subspecialists and pediatric anesthesiologists must be available on-site 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Level IV NICUs must also facilitate patient transport and provide outreach education to other providers.

More Information

• Learn more about our pediatric subspecialties.
• Meet our pediatric anesthesiologists.
• Meet our pediatric surgical subspecialists.

Neonatal Transport Team

Learn more about our transport service and your baby's trip to the NICU (video: 5:10)