It was a heartwarming celebration of milestones, memories, and miracles as HCA Florida University Hospital welcomed more than 120 families back to its campus for the hospital’s first-ever Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) Reunion.. Since opening in 2021, the hospital’s Level III NICU has become a beacon of hope for families across South Florida—and the reunion marked a powerful full-circle moment for many.
Parents and children who once spent anxious days in incubators and under the watchful care of specialized teams returned to say thank you—and to show just how far their NICU graduates have come.
“This is why we do what we do,” said Neva Spencer, Chief Nursing Officer. “To see our tiniest patients come back healthy, happy, and thriving—it’s a profound reminder of the impact we can have on families’ lives.”
A Celebration of Strength and Hope
Throughout the day, the hospital campus was filled with the sounds of laughter, live music, and playful joy. Children enjoyed games, face painting, and refreshments, while families reconnected with the nurses, neonatologists, and support staff who once provided round-the-clock care.
The NICU at HCA Florida University Hospital is led by board-certified Neonatologists and a team of specialized caregivers, including neonatal nurses, respiratory therapists, and pharmacists. This highly skilled team supports the hospital’s youngest patients during critical moments—often the first days and weeks of life.
“Each child here today represents a story of strength and hope,” shared Dr. Michael Stern, Neonatologist. “This reunion reminds us all why we are so passionate about our work.”
A Nationally Recognized NICU
In just three short years, the NICU at HCA Florida University Hospital has gained a reputation for exceptional outcomes and compassionate care. Earlier this year, it was named the #1 NICU in the HCA Healthcare system, earning the 2024 Unit of Distinction Top Performer honor—a testament to the team’s commitment to excellence.
The NICU’s success is part of a larger network of high-level services offered at the hospital, which includes sub-specialties in cardiology, neurology, endocrinology, ophthalmology, orthopedics, and ENT care.
About HCA Florida University Hospital
Located adjacent to Nova Southeastern University in Broward County, HCA Florida University Hospital is a state-of-the-art, all-private room medical facility offering 24/7 emergency care, advanced surgical services, oncology, maternity, neurosciences, and much more. The hospital is known for combining cutting-edge technology with compassionate, patient-centered care.
As part of the larger HCA Florida Healthcare network, comprising more than 650 sites of care and 84,000 colleagues, HCA Florida University Hospital is driven by a mission to deliver equitable, evidence-based care while supporting its community with education, access, and ongoing outreach.
For more information, visit HCAFloridaHealthcare.com.
