Bringing a new level of healthcare services to the residents of Denton and the surrounding communities, Presbyterian Hospital of Denton announces the opening of its Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).

Newborns that require high-level intensive care, previously offered only at hospitals in Dallas and Fort Worth, can be treated in the new 10-bed unit. With state-of-the-art equipment designed for infants, the NICU is staffed by neonatologists with support from nurses, neonatal nurse practitioners, respiratory therapists, nutritionists, lab technicians, pharmacists and lactation consultants.

“Denton’s population is growing, and more women are demanding higher levels of services when it comes to delivering and caring for their babies,” said Donna Smith, R.N., Women’s Services Director at Presbyterian Hospital of Denton. “The new NICU keeps mothers and babies together after delivery and provides expectant mothers with the peace of mind that we now have services to care for both mom and baby.”

Smith said babies may be admitted to the NICU if:

·        They are born at less than 37 weeks or more than 42 weeks

·        They weigh less than 5 pounds, 8 ounces, or more than 8 pounds, 13 ounces

·        They require medication or resuscitation in the delivery room

·        They have birth defects or infections

·        They have low blood sugar

·        Delivery was breeched

·        Delivery required a cesarean section or forceps were used

·        The umbilical cord was wrapped around the baby’s neck prior to birth

The NICU is located in Presbyterian Hospital of Denton’s Center for Women, Denton’s only dedicated healthcare facility for women. The unit is on the same floor as the ante-partum, post-partum, and labor and delivery areas, allowing women convenient access to a complete range of services.

“The Center for Women is part of Presbyterian Hospital of Denton’s ongoing commitment to provide services that meet the needs of the entire local community, and our NICU is a vital component of that,” said Stan Morton, CEO of Presbyterian Hospital of Denton. “Sometimes a woman and her baby need specialized care. When that happens, we strive to provide the best care possible for both mom and child.”