Updated: Wed Jan. 25 2012 09:31:49

ctvcalgary.ca

Premier Alison Redford made a big announcement for Alberta's tiniest patients while on a stop in Calgary.

Up to 14 new neonatal intensive care unit beds will be added to the Alberta Children's Hospital.

"While these new beds will improve care, reduce transfers and provide better access to specialists, the most important need they fulfill is allowing Alberta families to remain closer together during these critical times in a newborn's life," said Premier Alison Redford.

The new beds are expected to improve care, reduce transfers, provide easier access to specialists, and allow parents to be closer to their babies.

They will be expected to be in operation by next year and increase capacity by 56 percent.

Local philanthropists Heather and Murray Edwards donated $5M towards the $8.5M project.

As a result, the new unit will be named the Edwards Family NICU.