New Monitoring System Advances Care in MercyOne North Iowa NICU

Mason City, Iowa; Sept. 12, 2025— Technology can make the difference between worry and reassurance—especially in critical care settings. At MercyOne North Iowa Medical Center’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), that difference is now a reality, made possible by a $60,000 grant from Variety – the Children’s Charity.

The grant funded the installation of a central monitoring system and seven bedside monitors, enhancing safety and connectivity for vulnerable newborns and their families. Linda Latham, director of Women’s and Children’s Services at MercyOne North Iowa, noted that while a telemetry monitoring system was already in place, the addition of central monitoring allows each baby to be observed from a central station while remaining close to their parents. “It’s a vital advancement that significantly strengthens patient safety and allows families to share more meaningful moments together,” Latham said.

As the only Level II NICU serving a 15-county rural region, the unit provides care for premature and critically ill infants who often require weeks of specialized attention. The new system enables staff to respond more quickly to changes in a baby’s condition, reducing stress for both caregivers and families. Latham added that since the system was installed, the team feels more confident and supported, allowing them to focus on hands-on care while technology helps safeguard patients around the clock.

For families and MercyOne North Iowa colleagues, the impact is deeply personal. “This grant has given peace of mind to families and staff alike,” Latham said. “We are so grateful to Variety for making this possible.”

For any media inquiries please contact hailee.merryman@mercyone.org or call 515-341-6885.