In December 2024, we moved into the new building of 12 de Octubre Hospital and officially opened the new facilities. Our Neonatal Unit now includes 36 family rooms, among them 6 double or triple rooms for families with twins, offering a total of 42 admission places (Figure 1). Each newborn and their family are admitted to a room and remain there until discharge. These rooms are fully equipped for intensive care, allowing us to adjust the level of care as needed without relocating the baby. Every room features a bed for the mother or father and an automatic recliner. The hospital also provides all meals for parents, helping families feel as comfortable as possible throughout their stay (Figure 2).

To ensure the safety of newborns in family rooms, we have installed advanced monitoring systems—not only to track vital signs but also to manage medical devices such as ventilators, CPAP, or hypothermia equipment. All alarms, whether linked to the baby's condition or device performance, can be managed from external nursing stations. Safety and comfort are not mutually exclusive; rather, they go hand in hand. Technology has played a vital role in moving toward zero separation by combining high-level medical care with a warm, family-centered environment.

One of our greatest concerns was that babies might be left alone or parents might be unable to stay with them. Thankfully, this has not occurred. The response from families has been overwhelmingly positive. We are now learning what it means to live alongside 42 families. While logistical challenges have naturally emerged—since, despite the ample space, many of us share it—these issues are being addressed, with families themselves actively contributing to improvements.

This transition has brought more than a change in location; it has transformed the way we work. Both architectural and functional improvements have supported the introduction of a care model centered on family involvement.

Having individual family rooms for all newborns has greatly strengthened the Cuidame (“Take Care of Me”) program, which prepares parents to become autonomous in 11 key areas of newborn care, even while their baby is in intensive care. We actively engage with the Zero Separation program, ensuring that all newborns over 28 weeks experience Kangaroo Care with their mothers immediately after birth. Once stabilized—typically within 10 minutes, even with non-invasive ventilation—the baby is placed in Kangaroo Care for at least 20 minutes. Transfers to the NICU are also performed in Kangaroo Care whenever possible, extending to full-term newborns with complications.

Every detail in the life of each infant and their family matters. Beyond medical care, we thoughtfully considered the environment surrounding patients and families. We have implemented a decorative project with each room door featuring a different story—36 culturally diverse tales (Figures 3 and 4). Parents receive information about their door’s story and are encouraged to read it to their child. Additional books are available in the parent lounge. Storytelling provides a meaningful outlet, allowing families to express their fears, hopes, and love during their baby's hospital stay, creating precious moments of connection.