UF Health Jacksonville is dedicated to connecting families with loved ones under our care. The baby and family connect programs use live videostreaming to allow families to virtually visit with their newborn babies and loved ones during hospital stays when they aren’t able to come to the hospital.

The Baby Connect Program, available in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, or NICU, uses a secure HD video system and web-based family portal to provide a live videostream accessible only to family members and trusted friends. The visits are done through a small camera attached to the baby’s bed. For privacy, the camera shows live video only — no audio and no recording. Video visits are available 24/7 for families of infants hospitalized in the NICU and are accessible through desktop, laptop, mobile device or tablet.

To access video visits for infants, a parent should speak with their NICU nurse or nursing unit secretary to request a consent form and share their active email address. NICU staff will create an account for the family to access the app and web portal. After completing the consent form, families will receive an email with detailed instructions to access the videostream. Viewing their infant on the live videostream can facilitate bonding between parents and family members with their baby at times when they are not able to be physically present in the NICU. The baby connect program has been successful thanks in part to significant support from the Children’s Miracle Network.

The Family Connect Program is a similar service for hospitalized adults and their families. These video visits use Zoom and are scheduled by a Patient Relations representative to connect patients with their families when they aren’t able to visit in person during a hospital stay. Visits are planned around necessary direct-care needs. Patients, family and friends may schedule a visit with Patient Relations 24 to 48 hours before the desired visit. A Patient Relations representative will call to confirm before the scheduled visit.

Call the NICU at 904.244.5100 to talk to your nurse and set up your baby connect program account. Call 904.244.6220 or visit UFHealthJax.org/patient-care/patient-relations to request a Family Connect Program video appointment.