A form of infant care named after an Australian marsupial has led to top honours for Windsor Regional Hospital (WRH).
The hospital has won the CPBF (Canadian Premature Babies Foundation) 2026 National Kangaroo-A-Thon, Level 2.
According to the hospital, Kangaroo Care is the practice of holding a premature infant skin-to-skin, diaper-only, against a parent’s bare chest. Healthcare professionals say it provides benefits for both the child and the mother.
"Winning this national title is a true testament to the dedication of our NICU staff and the unwavering commitment of our families," said WRH NICU Clinical Practice Coordinator Nicole Delaney.
WRH was among 49 hospitals across Canada participating in the contest, tracking skin-to-skin care throughout a month-long campaign, choosing their own two-week period during May to coincide with Kangaroo Care Awareness Day.
The hospital's NICU averaged two hours and 38 minutes of skin-to-skin care per eligible baby each day.
The Level 2 category involves a special care nursery that manages moderately ill or stable premature infants generally born at or after 30 to 32 weeks gestation.
