Our Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at St. Charles Bend provides specialized medical care for premature and sick babies with all levels of complications. Our NICU operates at Level III status, serving infants at all stages of gestational development.

As the only designated NICU in the region, we care for fragile newborns from nearby, as well as babies transferred from hospitals across Central and Eastern Oregon.

Your baby’s stay in our unit

St. Charles NICU is committed to giving your baby the highest quality of care. During your baby’s stay, you will see a variety of people at his or her bedside. It is always your right to ask who is helping care for your baby. Please don’t hesitate to introduce yourself, inquire about the role of anyone in your baby’s room or ask questions.

Visitation, privacy and security

All parents and visitors must sign in each day to confirm that they are free of signs of infection and have adhered to infection control standards. Parents and visitors may be asked to present a hospital band or picture ID. Parents are an integral part of the care team. You are welcome and encouraged to visit your baby or call for a report at any time. All other visitors can visit between the hours of 10 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Housing options

The Bend Ronald McDonald House® is a free home away from home for families of pediatric patients, birth through 21, receiving medical care in Bend. The organization provides a warm bed, a fully stocked kitchen and other amenities. Interested families should contact a hospital social worker at 541-706-6360. Tours of the House That Love Built® are available daily.

Infection prevention in the NICU

Parents and visitors must wash or sanitize their hands following the specific directions for proper hand hygiene. Hand hygiene should take place at the following times:

• Before entering the NICU
• Upon entering or leaving a patient room
• Before and after touching your baby
• After diaper changes and before other care
• After touching surfaces such as furniture, equipment, cell phones or toys
• After using the bathroom

All parents and visitors entering the NICU must be free of signs of infection and contagious disease, including:

• Cough
• Fever
• Rash
• Pink eye or eye discharge
• Runny nose or congestion
• Open sores
• Diarrhea

Parents and visitors must adhere to additional visitor restrictions and/or infection prevention measures, such as wearing gowns, gloves and/or masks when indicated by the baby’s condition or community outbreaks as instructed by the health care team.

Advanced technology

We've created an environment to promote a baby's growth and development, including:

• Circadian lighting that adjusts for a baby's day and night sleep cycles
• "Giraffe" beds that create a womb-like environment for premature babies that are temperature and humidity-controlled and include built-in scales

Family-centered care

We support families during this tender time by making the NICU an oasis of comfort:

• Private and semi-private rooms allow for quiet bonding time.
• Innovative beds allow babies in incubators to be touched.
• Necessary respite is available in a warm and soothing family waiting area.
• Families may stay overnight at the NICU with access to a refrigerator for storing breast milk.

Other important points to remember:

• Up to two visitors (not including parents) will be allowed at the patient’s bedside at one time. All visitors must be with a parent, unless pre-authorized.
• Visitors must be at least 14 years old to enter the NICU, unless they are a brother or sister of the baby. Siblings need to be supervised for safety as well as respect for other families in the NICU.
• Visitors may be asked to leave if they are disruptive to the patient or other visitors.
• Parents will need to follow safety precautions as instructed by the nurse to provide a safe environment for the patient. There is no sleeping on the floors in patient rooms.
• To preserve privacy and confidentiality for yourself and other families, please refrain from entering other patient rooms or asking about other patients.
• We will not give any medical information to anyone other than a parent. A password or band number will be required to obtain information over the phone.
• We make every attempt to protect your right to privacy.

Benefits of donor milk

Breast milk provides optimal nutrition, easy digestibility, growth factors, immunologic protection and infection-fighting components to newborn babies. Donated breast milk is especially helpful to babies who are ill or born prematurely. All donated milk is processed by a certified mothers milk bank and then used to supplement infants whose mothers are unable to produce enough milk.

Women are screened prior to donating and the milk is again tested after processing to ensure its safety.

We proudly work with Northwest Mothers Milk Bank in Portland and use local milk for our local babies.

How to donate

If you’re a breastfeeding parent and have plenty of milk for your own baby, you can be a milk donor!

Milk Donors are healthy, non-smoking mothers with limited medication use. The Milk Bank requests a total donation volume of a minimum of 100 oz. Milk should be frozen for six months or less.  

• Contact Northwest Mothers Milk Bank, by phone at 800-204-4444 or fill out this form to schedule a pre-screening interview.
• The Donor Engagement Team will provide you with a link to the donor application, consent to donate and health history questionnaire.
• The team will also obtain a signed health validation form from your health care provider.
• The final step in the screening is a no-cost blood test that can be done at a lab convenient to where you live. 

Once test results are received, you will be assigned a donor number and you can arrange for your first milk donation!  Go to https://www.donatemilk.org/milk-drop-locations to find a milk drop location near you!

For more information please call 800-204 4444, visit the Northwest Mothers Milk Bank website or contact the St. Charles lactation consultants at 541-706-4924.

Information and visiting guidelines

We value family-centered care, meaning we consider the whole family when providing care to a pediatric patient. We encourage you to be an active participant in your child’s care. We will do our best to make you as comfortable as possible. The following guidelines are in place to provide a safe, peaceful and healing environment for you, your child and the staff.

Visiting hours

Visiting hours for friends and family on the pediatric unit are from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Parents/guardians of the patient are welcome on the unit at any time. For the safety of all our pediatric patients, the pediatric unit is locked. Please press the intercom button outside of the double doors for entry. This button is located to the right of room 506. Once someone answers your call, let us know the name of the patient you are here to see. You will be issued a security code to receive updates on your child over the phone. In special circumstances, you may be asked to provide this code to visit.

After hours

Between the hours of 9 p.m. – 5 a.m. the main hospital entrance is locked. Please use the Emergency Room entrance, check in with security and they will provide you with a visitor badge.

No entry/exit hours

Please plan not to enter or leave the unit from 6:30 a.m. – 8 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m. This is our shift change time when your nurse hands over care of your child to a new nurse coming on shift. We strive for minimal interruptions during this time, so your new nurse can learn everything they need to know about their patient.

Child Life Specialists

Injury, illness and medical treatment can be challenging and stressful, especially for children. St. Charles offers a child life program to help support you and your child during a hospital stay or medical encounter. A child life specialist can help your child with medical and pre-surgery preparation or support for a medical procedure.

Certified child life specialists are educated and trained in the developmental and psychological impact of illness and injury. They work in partnership with families as part of the health care team to meet the psychosocial, emotional and developmental needs of children and adolescents.

Each of our child life specialists has earned a bachelor’s or master’s degree in child development or related field, completed a rigorous internship and maintains their certification from the Child Life Certification Commission.

If you would like to request the support of a child life specialist, please ask your child’s nurse or any member of their care team or call the Child Life Program directly 541-706-2900 ext. 3579.

Medical Chaperones

You have the right to have a medical chaperone present during any sensitive exam or treatment. Out of respect for you and your comfort, medical chaperones are available to be present when you are being seen by a physician, nurse practitioner or physician assistant.

Adult patients (15+ years) may opt out of having a medical chaperone present. Patients under 15 years of age must have a medical chaperone present during sensitive exams or treatments, unless a parent/guardian/legal representative declines. A parent/family member may not serve as a medical chaperone. A treating professional may postpone a sensitive exam/treatment until a chaperone can be present. A sensitive examination is a physical examination of an area of the body typically covered by an undergarment - genital, rectal or breast. However, you may request to have a medical chaperone present during any physical examination.

For more information on the Oregon Medical Board Rule, visit stcharleshealthcare.org/chaperone.

Tips for families of long-term patients

Your rest is extremely important. If you don’t maintain your own health, you are unable to provide support to your child. We recommend you leave the room twice a day for at least 30 minutes. This can be a walk in the fresh air or a meal in the cafeteria. Please take the time to care for yourself.

Diversional supplies

We have a play room with age-appropriate supplies that can be checked out for your child. We also have gaming systems available for patient use. Each room has a DVD player, and we have movies that may be checked out or you can bring your own. Ask your caregivers for assistance in obtaining any of these supplies. If your child is on isolation, they are not allowed to go to the playroom. However, we are more than happy to bring toys to their room.

Condition help

Condition HELP is a patient safety program that is available should you have concerns about your child’s medical condition and/or care after you have already spoken to the nurse or doctor in charge. You may activate Condition HELP by dialing ext. 3232.

Sleepover guidelines

• When setting up your foldout bed, please place it on the opposite side of the room from the door.
• Please be awake and have your bed and bedding taken care of by 8:30 a.m.
• Pediatric patients (17 years and under):
  • Children 17 years and under may visit with constant adult supervision during visiting hours.
  • One parent may stay overnight. They may utilize the one sleeping chair provided in the room. Do not bring in any home sleeping supplies (i.e. air mattress or sleeping pad). Please communicate any special circumstances to your nurse.
  • Siblings may not stay the night, except for breastfeeding infants under 6 months of age.
• The sleepover visitor may use the shower. We can provide towels and soap. All visitors using the showers are responsible for cleaning up after themselves.

Meals

In addition to the patient tray, you may order one guest tray per meal for no charge by calling room service at ext. 7182. Please order from the room service menu. Additional trays can be purchased from room service. Please keep in mind that if your child has diet restrictions, it is best not to eat in front of him/her. Nursing mothers should order meals as if they were the patient since they are supplying the infant’s nutrition.

Other food options

• Cascades Café: Located on the second floor, the café offers a variety of foods such as made-to-order pasta dishes, gourmet pizza, an extensive salad bar and house-made desserts. You can dine in or grab and go. Learn more here.

St. Charles Health System pediatric experts are here to provide the best care possible for critically-ill and injured children and their families, in a quiet, safe wing of our Bend hospital. As the only designated Pediatric Inpatient Unit in Central Oregon, our specialists provide care for:

• Respiratory illnesses
• Childhood diabetes
• Gastrointestinal illnesses
• Heart conditions
• Neurologic conditions
• Pre- and post-surgical conditions
• Urinary tract infections
• Traumatic injuries

We also provide supplemental care for children being treated by physicians at other major hospitals. This allows your child to remain close to home during treatment and therapy.

Each member of our multidisciplinary team of doctors, nurses and support staff is certified to treat children and our shared goal is to treat the whole child: body, mind and spirit. To provide the most consistent high-quality care, specially-trained doctors called pediatric hospitalists work only in the Pediatric Care Unit, collaborating with their patients’ primary care doctors while staying in close communication with parents to include them in every aspect of their child’s care.

A pediatric cardiologist from St. Charles Heart and Lung Center is always available and our support staff includes a diabetes educator, asthma educator, social workers, pharmacists, and dietitians to give families the information and the tools they need in the hospital and at home.

Respect and safety for your family

To respect the physical and emotional needs of children and their families, we offer private examination and treatment rooms. Your family’s security is a top priority, so we keep the Pediatric Care Unit locked at all times and provide space to allow a parent to be present 24 hours a day.

Want to learn more about our expert pediatric care? We encourage you to call us at 541-382-4321 for more information.

St. Charles Health System has a team of pediatric physicians and specialists who have long been recognized as leaders in treating children in Central Oregon.

Health care where you need it

At St. Charles Health System, we’re dedicated to providing military Veterans and their families with resources, support and advocacy for optimal mental and physical well-being. 

With 22,000 Veterans residing in Central Oregon -- and the nearest VA hospital hours away by car and over a mountain pass -- St. Charles is the preferred medical provider for Veterans seeking cancer, cardiology, orthopedic and/or emergency care closer to home. 

Plus, Veterans and their families who are eligible for TriCare health benefits can choose St. Charles providers for their health care needs. 

Know your benefits

During a medical emergency, Veterans can seek care at any of our four St. Charles hospital locations (via ambulance or emergency department) without advance approval from the VA. However, Veterans MUST notify the VA within 72 hours of admission to ensure the emergency care received is covered by your benefits.

The care you need, close to home

As part of the Veterans Community Care program, Veterans have the opportunity to seek medical care in their community under certain criteria. 

Due to the onerous burden of traveling hours by car over a mountain pass to a VA hospital, Central Oregon Veterans facing a cancer or heart/lung disease diagnosis can -- with prior authorization -- receive the highest quality cancer and heart care right here at home. 

For example, Veterans undergoing treatment at St. Charles Cancer Centers in Bend and Redmond have access to comprehensive services, including radiation and medical oncology in one location, an on-site pharmacist, nutrition services, oncology-trained physical therapists, survivorship programs and more.

To be treated at St. Charles, Veterans must first consult with their VA provider to receive prior authorization. 

St. Charles Hospice Veterans Program

St. Charles Hospice is proud to partner with the We Honor Veterans program to help us better serve Veterans on hospice. We Honor Veterans, a program of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Association and Veterans Affairs, is designed to empower hospice professionals and volunteers to meet the unique needs of dying Veterans. 

Additional Veteran community resources

Central Oregon Veterans Outreach - Works with Veterans in the areas of housing and outreach programs, as well as referrals to other agencies and resources.

Crook County VSO

Still Serving Central Oregon - Counseling and mental health services. 

The Shield - Free mental health services for Veterans and first responders. 

Central Oregon Veteran Center - Vet Centers are community-based counseling centers that provide a wide range of social and psychological services, including professional readjustment counseling to eligible Veterans, active duty service members, including National Guard and Reserve components, and their families.

Central Oregon Veterans Council - A local coalition of dedicated Veteran organizations who connect, collaborate, unite and advocate on behalf of all Central Oregon Veterans, Guard and Reserve personnel in order to increase support for prominent issues facing this population. The group meets the second Wednesday of each month from 2-3 p.m. at the Bend VFW Hall at 1503 NE 4th St. in Bend and quarterly in Redmond, Prineville and Madras. Contact: Wendy Rudy, president, at 541-250-2965 [email protected] or join them on Facebook.

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

• Exposure to hazardous chemicals and materials

• Portland VA Medical Center

• Bend Outpatient Clinic

Veterans Services in Deschutes County

Veterans Services in Jefferson County

TRICARE - A health care program for uniformed service members, retirees and their families. 

Veterans Crisis Line

If you, or someone you know needs support, call the Veterans Crisis Line at 800-273-8255 and press 1, or text 838255. 

What is tubal ligation?

More commonly known as  “getting your tubes tied” -- a tubal ligation is a surgical procedure for women who are certain they don’t want a future pregnancy. 

Tubal ligation is permanent birth control. So if you’re thinking of having it done, it’s important to understand all the advantages and disadvantages before making a decision. 

During this surgery, both fallopian tubes are blocked or cut, preventing the eggs released by your ovaries from making their way to your uterus, where they can become fertilized by sperm. 

Here are five considerations if you’re thinking about tubal ligation: 

1. It’s permanent. This procedure is for women who don’t want to have children or don’t wish to have any more. If you’re uncertain, talk to one of our women’s healthcare providers about other long-term options for birth control. 
2. It’s hormone-free. There are no side effects like the ones sometimes caused by birth control pills or an IUD. 
3. No more planning. You don’t need to remember to take a pill, use a condom, or count the days on a calendar. 
4. It does not protect against STDs. Only condoms prevent sexually transmitted diseases. 
5. There’s a risk of ectopic pregnancy. In the rare case that you do become pregnant following a tubal ligation, the fetus is more likely to grow in one of your fallopian tubes instead of your uterus, a serious condition. 

Concerned about excessive menstrual blood loss?

If heavy bleeding is getting in the way of your life, and medicine doesn’t help, you may be a good candidate for endometrial ablation. 
 
Endometrial ablation is a treatment for women who experience excessive blood loss during menstruation. The procedure surgically ablates the lining of the uterus to reduce, or curb altogether, a woman’s menstrual flow.  

What is considered heavy bleeding?

• Soaking a pad or tampon every two hours
• Bleeding that lasts longer than eight days
• Anemia from excessive blood loss

Endometrial ablation is not surgery and does not require an incision or general anesthesia. Instead, your doctor inserts a narrow tool through your vagina to reach your uterus. The method for ablating the uterine lining can vary, from extreme cold to high-energy radio frequencies. 

Recovering from an ablation

It shouldn’t take long to heal from an ablation. In fact, most women are back to their normal routine within a week. Following the procedure, you might experience menstrual-like cramps or bleeding for a few days, and watery or bloody discharge for up to three weeks. 

It’s important to note that endometrial ablation isn't a sterilization procedure, so you should continue to use contraception. Pregnancy might still be possible, but it will likely be hazardous and end in miscarriage. Talk to your health care provider at the St. Charles Center for Women’s Health if you have questions about birth control options.

What is a hysterectomy?

A hysterectomy is an operation to remove a woman’s uterus. There are a number of medical reasons that your healthcare provider might recommend a hysterectomy, including uterine fibroids, uterine prolapse, and cancer, to name a few. 

Depending on the reason for the hysterectomy, the procedure may entail removing all or only part of the uterus. 

There are also different approaches to hysterectomy, which impacts healing time and the kind of scar, if any, that remains following the operation. 

What are my hysterectomy options?

In an abdominal hysterectomy, your surgeon will make an incision across your belly and remove the uterus through it. Following this surgery, your recovery time in the hospital is typically two to three days. 

In a minimally-invasive hysterectomy, the surgery can be performed through the vagina, or through a small cut in the abdomen. In general, this type of procedure allows for faster recovery, shorter hospital stays, and less pain and scarring than an abdominal hysterectomy.

Not every woman is a good candidate for a minimally invasive procedure -- scar tissue, obesity, uterus size and health status -- can be mitigating factors.

Get more answers

If you need a hysterectomy, your care team at the St. Charles Center for Women’s Health will answer your questions and guide you step-by-step through the process. 

Breast screenings

Mammograms and breast ultrasounds are important screenings for early detection of breast cancer, as well as other breast conditions. 

How are they different? 

A mammogram is an X-ray picture of the breast. Based on your age, or you if have certain risk factors, your women’s health care provider will likely recommend an annual mammogram.

A breast ultrasound uses sound waves to create images of your breast tissue. If abnormalities are detected during your mammogram, a breast ultrasound is often the next step that allows your doctor and radiologist to evaluate a concerning area in more detail. 

When should I begin mammogram screening?

Recommendations for what age women should begin mammogram screening vary between 40 and 50 years old depending on a variety of risk factors. The providers at the St. Charles Center for Women’s Health will discuss with you the benefits, risks and limitations of mammograms and together we’ll decide what’s best for your health. Balancing the benefits of screening with the limitations and risks is a key part of deciding when to begin mammograms and how often to repeat them.

Donation opportunities

Our patient support services depend on generous donations from our community through St. Charles Foundation. Your donations stay in Central and Eastern Oregon to support those who face cancer.

Donations may be made online, by mail or phone.
Cancer Services, St. Charles Foundation
2500 NE Neff Rd, Bend, OR 97701
541-706-6996

ONLINE: stcharlesfoundation.org/donate choose “Cancer Services” in the pull-down menu

For more information, call St. Charles Foundation at 541-706-6996 or visit www.stcharlesfoundation.org

If you are interested in making donations of food to help our program, some suggested items are listed below. Needs may vary during different times of the year. Please call to coordinate a donation – 541-706-7743.

Infusion room snacks

• Bottled juices
• Lunch-size snack packs – chips, crackers, etc.
• String cheese
• Nuts in individual packages

Harvest of HOPE

• All natural peanut butter
• Oatmeal
• 100% fruit and vegetable juices
• Albacore tuna packed in water
• Canned beans (black or kidney) natural
• Dice tomatoes (no added salt)