A new ‘NICU on wheels’ will help keep moms, babies and families together when care matters most

TAMPA, Fla. — For parents, few things are more comforting than knowing specialized care is available if the unexpected happens.

That's one reason the newest addition to AdventHealth's pediatric care services means so much to Kristen McCall.

McCall, president of AdventHealth Foundation West Florida, is a mother of two and expecting her third child. While she hopes her family never needs advanced medical care, knowing additional support is available brings reassurance.

"As an upcoming new mom of three, this gives me such comfort to know that whatever AdventHealth hospital I deliver in, there will be a vehicle specific for my baby, and even me, if that care is needed," McCall said.

That vehicle is a new specialized transport ambulance designed specifically for mothers, newborns and children.

Funded entirely through donations to AdventHealth Foundation West Florida, the ambulance is now serving patients across West Florida.

What sets the ambulance apart is its ability to transport both a mother and newborn together when a higher level of care is needed, a capability not currently offered through other transport services in the Tampa Bay region.

Fathers and other trusted caregivers can also ride alongside their loved ones, helping families remain connected during what can be an emotional and uncertain experience.

"When you're welcoming a new baby, the last thing you want is to be separated from the people you love," McCall said.

The ambulance is equipped with a neonatal incubator, known as an isolette, advanced monitoring equipment and specialized pediatric transport technology.

It is staffed by highly trained clinicians, including a critical care nurse, respiratory therapist and other transport specialists who can provide advanced care throughout the journey between hospitals.

McCall describes it as a "NICU on wheels."

"It is essentially the exact same care you would get in a hospital, except on wheels," she said.

Each year, approximately 1,000 babies and children are transported from AdventHealth hospitals across West Florida for specialized care.

The dedicated maternal and pediatric transport ambulance will help reduce wait times for transfers and expand access to services across the region.

"This new ambulance strengthens our ability to care for some of the most vulnerable patients in our community," said Rajan Wadhawan, MD, MMM, senior executive and chief clinical officer for AdventHealth's West Florida Division. "When a newborn or child needs specialized care, every moment counts. This investment allows our teams to respond quickly while providing the advanced medical support families need."

At AdventHealth, caring for children goes beyond hospital walls. This new transport service will help ensure mothers, newborns and pediatric patients can receive the right care in the right place at the right time while surrounded by the people who matter most.

Learn more at AdventHealth Foundation West Florida.