The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) is a critical component of our hospital's maternity and pediatric
services, providing specialized care for newborns facing medical challenges. The department focuses on
providing comprehensive and specialized care for newborns who require intensive medical attention,
ensuring they receive adequate care to support their development and well-being.
The 11-bed N.I.C.U in our hospital is equipped with phototherapy, radiant warmers and incubators,
Ventilators, Multi-para monitors, syringe pumps, Bubble C-PAP, and Bi-PAP. The unit's primary goal is
to optimize the health and development of these vulnerable infants, offering a supportive environment
for both the infants and their families.
The department also caters to the following services:
- Immunization clinic (polio, triple antigen (i.e., diphtheria, tetanus, and whooping cough),
measles, hepatitis B vaccine, etc.)
- Facilities for treatment for exchange transfusion.
- Facilities for treatment of diarrhea and dehydration and sick children
- Play Room for pediatric patients
Key Features of the NICU Ward:
- Premature and High-Risk Newborn Care: The NICU is equipped
to care for premature infants and newborns with medical complexities. Specialized medical equipment
and a skilled healthcare team are dedicated to addressing the unique challenges associated with the
delicate health of these infants.
- Advanced Monitoring: Newborns in the
NICU receive continuous monitoring of vital signs, including heart rate, respiratory rate, and oxygen
saturation. This allows healthcare providers to closely track the baby's progress and respond promptly
to any changes in their condition.
- Respiratory Support: Many infants in the NICU may require respiratory support. The unit is equipped with advanced
ventilators and other respiratory care tools to assist newborns with breathing difficulties, ensuring
adequate oxygenation.
- Nutritional Support: The NICU provides specialized
nutritional support to meet the specific needs of premature or medically fragile infants. This may
involve intravenous nutrition, breast milk feeding, or formula feeding tailored to the infant's
requirements.
- Infection Control Measures: Due to the vulnerability of
newborns in the NICU, strict infection control measures are implemented to minimize the risk of
infections. Healthcare professionals follow rigorous hygiene protocols, and visitors may be subject
to additional precautions.
- Family-Centered Care: Recognizing the
emotional stress that families may experience, the NICU emphasizes a family-centered care approach.
Parents are encouraged to participate in the care of their infants, and support services such as
counseling and education are provided to help families navigate the challenges of having a newborn
in the NICU.
- Developmental Care: The NICU team focuses on creating an environment
that promotes the developmental well-being of premature infants. This includes minimizing stimuli,
providing developmental activities, and supporting the baby's neurodevelopmental milestones.
- Multidisciplinary Team Collaboration: The NICU operates with a multidisciplinary team comprising neonatologists, pediatric nurses, respiratory therapists, nutritionists,
and other specialists. This collaborative approach ensures that all aspects of the newborn's health are
addressed comprehensively.