St. Antonius Hospital Introduces Home Phototherapy for Newborns
Utrecht, Thursday, 20 November 2025.
St. Antonius Hospital now offers home-based phototherapy for jaundiced newborns using wireless incubators, enhancing family comfort and reducing hospital stays while maintaining high clinical standards.
Innovative Approach to Neonatal Care
On 1 October 2025, St. Antonius Hospital launched a pioneering home-based phototherapy service for newborns with mild jaundice. This initiative utilizes the BiliCocoon, a wireless incubator that emits blue light to break down bilirubin levels in infants, thus treating jaundice effectively within the comfort of the child’s home [1].
Benefits of Home-Based Phototherapy
The shift to home phototherapy offers numerous benefits, including maintaining the mother-child bond and reducing stress associated with hospital admissions. Additionally, it supports breastfeeding success and leads to a decrease in healthcare costs by minimizing hospital stays [1][2].
Collaborative Healthcare Model
St. Antonius Hospital’s approach involves collaboration with maternity care organizations and KinderThuisZorg, ensuring safe and effective treatment. This model reflects a broader trend towards integrating digital health solutions and remote care, aligning with national healthcare strategies to optimize patient outcomes and resource allocation [1][3].
Expanding Access and Reducing Costs
The home phototherapy program is part of a wider initiative to relocate and replace traditional hospital care with home-based solutions where feasible. By reducing the need for inpatient care, hospitals can allocate resources more efficiently and patients can receive treatment without the need for disruptive hospital visits [1][4].