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Written by Wendy Atkinson
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Thursday, 25 August 2011 14:20 |
 As many as 15 percent of all babies born in the United States are in need of the specialized care of a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). As it currently stands, Luzerne County is not home to a NICU, forcing local families to leave the area in a time of increased stress and anxiety. But beginning in October, these trying times will become a little easier when Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center (GWV) opens Luzerne County’s first-ever NICU.
“Within our community, there is an unmistakable need to create a local program capable of caring for pre-term, high-risk newborns,” said James Cook, MD, FAAP, director of Neonatology, Geisinger Health System.
“The GWV NICU set to open in October will allow parents to remain close to family and friends who play an integral part in supporting them while their infant is hospitalized in the NICU.”
The new NICU, located adjacent to the recently renovated labor and delivery unit on the medical center’s third floor, will be composed of 12 private rooms and offer highly specialized care to the area’s youngest, most fragile patients. Initially, the NICU will accept newborns delivered as early as 34 weeks. After several months, the NICU will develop capabilities to admit infants delivered as early as 32 weeks, as well as other infants who may have a need for continuous care.
The new NICU will be staffed by a full-time, board-certified neonatologist supported by pediatric hospitalists and a dedicated nursing team.
“With the new NICU at GWV, local families can have peace of mind knowing medical resources needed for successful neonatal care are at their disposal and close to home,” Cook said. “Many of us have either experienced a difficult pregnancy or known someone who has, so the NICU in Luzerne County will be an invaluable resource for countless area families during their time of need.”
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