May 16, 2016 - Nacogdoches, Texas– Nacogdoches Medical Center has taken a major step in the continued development of its health network with the recent addition of a Level II Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at its main campus. Board certified neonatologists are now available
24 hours per day, 7 days a week to provide the expertise and compassionate care required to treat premature and critically-ill newborns.
Equipped with state-of-the-art technology and an advanced developmental care approach, the 8-bed Level II NICU is the first to open in Nacogdoches. “In the past, we have transferred these deliveries to other hospitals in Shreveport, Dallas, or Houston, but now we can keep them here in our community, close to their family, and under our care.” said Dr. Kyle McMorries, Ob-Gyn at Nacogdoches Medical Center. “This reduces the financial and emotional burden on parents, during a time that by nature is already one of the most stressful of their lives.”
NMC has partnered with Neonatal Intensive Care Specialists (NICS), a team of board certified neonatologists led by Medical Director, Dr. Tung Giep. This partnership ensures that expertly trained physicians are available to care for critically ill infants and are in attendance for high-risk deliveries. They will provide care alongside a mother’s trusted Ob-Gyn and are trained to handle complex situations that can arise with neonates. “Every parent hopes their baby is born healthy,” Giep said. “But when complications arise, experience and timing are critical; that’s why we are here, to provide your baby a higher level of care when it’s needed.”
Skilled neonatal nurses and specially trained staff are prepared for critical situations and are experienced in identifying and responding to medical complications should they occur. “Prematurity or other complications at birth can often result in life long problems,” noted Dr. Modupe Sokunbi. “As a Pediatrician, I'm delighted that we now have the resources on site to ensure that babies delivered at Nacogdoches Medical Center have immediate access to a higher level of specialty care.”
Post-delivery the multidisciplinary team uses a family-centered approach to treatment. Nursing staff is available to support new parents with education and encouragement and to promote bonding with their newborn. To ensure they are comfortable assuming care for their babies once they are ready to go home, the NICU at NMC is also equipped with a nesting room, where parents can stay for one night with their infant before discharge the next day.
According to Jeff Patterson, Chief Executive Officer of the Health Network, “We will continue to expand our scope of services in order to meet the needs of the residents of Deep East Texas. Opening the first NICU in Nacogdoches is further demonstration of the hospital’s commitment to our community, to bring quality health care to our neighbors and friends.”
About Nacogdoches Medical Center
Nacogdoches Medical Center is a 153-bed medical center located at 4920 NE Stallings Drive in Nacogdoches, TX. The hospital has served the medical and health care needs of the East Texas area for over 40 years. Nacogdoches Medical Center specializes in emergency services, women’s health, cardiovascular medicine and surgery, open heart surgery, cancer, orthopedics, neurology and neurosurgery. Other affiliated facilities include the Imaging Center of Nacogdoches, the Breast Health Center, the Ambulatory Surgery Center of Nacogdoches, the Wound Care Center, the Loma Laird Cancer Center including a standalone infusion clinic, and the Center Emergency Room in Shelby County. Nacogdoches Medical Center is accredited by the Joint Commission for the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations, the nation’s oldest and largest hospital accreditation agency. Please visit www.nacmedcenter.com.
