INDIANAPOLIS — IU Health Methodist Hospital in downtown Indianapolis has transferred all of its NICU babies to other hospitals in central Indiana to make room for adult COVID-19 patients.

Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) patients were temporarily relocated to other NICUs with the same or higher level of care, according to a spokeswoman for IU Health.

Many of those NICU babies were transported to Riley Hospital for Children at IU Health.

“This will keep vulnerable pediatric patients cocooned in a safe environment while also reserving space in the event that it is needed for adult patients in need of critical care,” said Emily Garrett, public relations for pediatrics at IU Health. “Planning for organized transitions during this ever-changing time is important to allow us to continue providing the highest level of care for every patient, including our moms and babies.”

NICUs are designated by level – Level 4 being the highest level for most critical patients.

Methodist Hospital’s NICU is a Level 3.

The NICU at Riley Hospital is Level 4, said Garrett.

“That is why patients were transferred based on their medical needs,” said Garrett.

Garrett declined to say how many NICU patients were transferred, citing patient privacy.

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