The Windsor Regional Hospital has been awarded a national skin-to-skin care title, part of the Canadian Premature Babies Foundation 2026 National Kangaroo-A-Thon in the level two category. The Kangaroo-A-Thon is a month-long event that encourages increasing the standard of neonatal care in Canada. Hospitals partaking track their skin-to-skin care, choosing their own two-week-period during May. “Winning this national title is a true testament to the dedication of our NICU staff and the unwavering commitment of our families,” said Nicole Delaney, a clinical practice coordinator with WRH NICU. ‘Kangaroo Care’ is when a premature baby is held skin-to-skin with a parent’s bare chest. The WRH says benefits include thermoregulation, vital sign stabilization, and maternal health for mothers. Windsor achieved 750 hours of kangaroo time in the 14 days. “Achieving 750 hours of skin-to-skin care in just two weeks takes an incredible team effort,” said Deborah Mayea-Parent, director of women and children’s programs. “Seeing our families embrace this practice so wholeheartedly is the real victory.” That 750-hour win means an average of two hours 28 minutes of skin-to-skin care happened every day.
