Ascension Saint Alexius Hospital in Hoffman Estates announced it has received approval to expand its Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Courtesy of Ascension

Ascension Saint Alexius Medical Center in Hoffman Estates has received approval to expand its Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, adding 14 new bassinets to serve infants requiring critical care in the Chicago area.

The expansion comes as Illinois faces growing demand for NICU services, with nearly 11% of live births in the state being preterm in 2023. More than 10% of these premature newborns required admission to a NICU, highlighting the critical need for specialized neonatal care facilities.

The need for NICU services reflects a broader national trend.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the percentage of infants

See Full Page