Inside BayCare’s six state-of-the-art Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICU), sick and premature newborns receive around-the-clock care until they’re healthy enough to go home. BayCare has level II, level III and level IV NICUs, each staffed by specially trained physicians and nurses 24 hours a day. But BayCare’s commitment to its tiniest patients extends well beyond medical care. Through initiatives like its annual read-a-thon, the organization continues to demonstrate that healing goes hand-in-hand with humanity, compassion and the power of shared stories.
From Sept. 8-18, BayCare joined forces with more than 200 hospitals across the country to celebrate the power of reading and connection. During the 10-day event, more than 1,700 books were read to babies at BayCare’s NICUs by caregivers, BayCare leaders, families and special guests.
Led by the Babies with Books organization, the annual read-a-thon is more than a contest. It’s a heartfelt initiative designed to bring comfort, connection and hope to infants and their families during some of the most challenging times.
“Research shows that reading to premature infants can aid in brain development and language skills, enhances listening and memory skills and promotes bonding,” said Charles Ennis, director of the NICUs at St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital and St. Joseph’s Hospital-South and BayCare’s neonatal and pediatric transport services.
Dr. Alfonso Vargas, medical director of the Mease Countryside Hospital NICU, adds “Reading can even help regulate a baby’s vital signs. But just as important, it helps strengthen the bond between parents and their newborns during an incredibly stressful time.”
The event also is a highlight for team members, who see firsthand the impact their compassionate efforts can make.
“I look forward to participating in our NICU read-a-thon every year,” said BayCare Chief Nursing Executive Trish Shucoski. “With each book read, we are reminding our smallest but mightiest patients they are cherished and surrounded by love.”
Morton Plant Hospital President Matt Novak echoes this sentiment and adds a personal perspective. “As a former NICU baby myself, our annual read-a-thon holds a special place in my heart. Being able to give back in this small but important way is very rewarding.”
For Kristen Smith, vice president of patient services and chief nursing officer for BayCare Hospital Wesley Chapel, Bartow Regional Medical Center, South Florida Baptist Hospital, Winter Haven Hospital and Winter Haven Women's Hospital, reading to babies in the NICU was a profoundly touching experience.
“It was heartwarming to see the calming effect that reading had on the infants,” said Kristen. “The read-a-thon beautifully aligns with BayCare’s mission to provide compassionate care, emphasizing healing through human connection and kindness.”
Winter Haven Women's Hospital placed fifth in the Top 30 NICUs Overall category and fifth in the Top 15 Smaller NICUs category. St. Joseph's Women's Hospital received fifth place in the Top 15 Medium NICUs category. To calculate the results, Books with Babies compares the number of books read to the average daily census.
Spanning across West Central Florida, BayCare’s NICUs are located at Mease Countryside Hospital in Safety Harbor, Morton Plant Hospital in Clearwater, St. Joseph’s Hospital-North in Lutz, St. Joseph’s Hospital-South in Riverview, St. Joseph’s Women’s Hospital in Tampa and Winter Haven Women’s Hospital in Winter Haven.
All six of BayCare’s NICUs are equipped with the latest technologies and treatments available for babies who require specialized care upon birth or shortly after. In addition, St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital provides a
neonatal and pediatric transport ambulance for the transfer of babies born at facilities without a NICU or in need of the highest level of neonatal care.
Later this year, South Florida Baptist Hospital in Plant City will open its own NICU, completing BayCare’s strategy to offer specialized neonatal care in all its delivering hospitals. Looking ahead, BayCare’s newest hospital in Manatee County, set to open in 2028, will incorporate NICU facilities in its design, further strengthening the network’s commitment to serving families with comprehensive care.
Learn more about BayCare’s neonatal intensive care units
here.
