AngelEye Camera System Brings Comfort and Connection to Families in the NICU
UNC Health Southeastern Women’s Services Director Lyndsey Walters demonstrates the Angel Eye Camera System for Neonatologist Dr. Stephen Parsons and OB/GYN Dr. LaShauna Deese in the UNC Health Southeastern Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.
When a newborn needs specialized care in the NICU, every moment apart can feel long and weigh heavily on the family. At UNC Health Southeastern, that distance now feels a little smaller. Thanks to support from the UNC Health Southeastern Foundation’s Delivering for Women campaign, families can stay close to their babies in a new and meaningful way.
The AngelEye Camera System, which will begin to be offered in the NICU in early September, offers secure live-streaming video that allows parents and loved ones to securely see their baby from anywhere, whether at home, at work, or across the state. Accessible by phone, tablet, or computer, the system helps ease the worry of being away and strengthens the bond between families and their tiniest loved ones.
The idea to bring AngelEye to UNC Health Southeastern started with Neonatologist Dr. Stephen Parsons, who saw its potential to ease stress and strengthen connection for families. His vision was embraced by the Foundation team and quickly gained support from hospital leadership and the Foundation Board of Trustees. Together, they helped turn a powerful idea into reality, proof of what happens when clinical insight and community support work hand in hand.
“This technology allows families to remain involved and reassured even when they have to step away,” said OB/GYN Dr. LaShauna Deese, who is on the medical staff of UNC Health Southeastern and serves on the UNC Health Southeastern Foundation Board of Trustees. “Being able to see their baby at any time provides incredible comfort. It also helps us build trust and connection as a care team.”
AngelEye also enables clinical teams to send photos, videos, and messages securely through a HIPAA-compliant platform. Families receive real-time updates and glimpses of meaningful milestones along their baby's journey.
“We feel a profound sense of relief when parents who cannot be physically present are able to log in and see their baby resting,” said UNC Health Southeastern Director of Women’s Services Lyndsey Walters. “That connection brings comfort and reassurance during an incredibly stressful time, whether they are watching from home, from work, or from somewhere in between. The connection matters.“
The addition of AngelEye reflects UNC Health Southeastern’s ongoing commitment to excellent family-centered care. It is one of many ways the UNC Health Southeastern Foundation continues to provide comfort, connection, and support through innovation and generosity.
“When our care teams see a need that can improve the patient and family experience, we want to be part of the solution,” said UNC Health Southeastern Foundation Executive Director Sissy Grantham. “AngelEye was not just a good idea, it was the right idea. Because of the support from our Delivering for Women campaign donors, we were able to bring this to life. Families in our NICU now have comfort and connection when they need it most, and that is the kind of impact the Foundation is here to deliver.”
