The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Phoenixville
Hospital is dedicated to providing compassionate medical care to our newborns.
Our Level II NICU features modern equipment and is staffed by a dedicated team
trained in neonatal intensive care.
We strive to provide you and your baby with an
environment that is accessible to both quality care and the gentle, loving
support of family and caregivers.
The Neonatal Team
Neonatologists are board-certified in pediatrics and
neonatal/perinatal medicine. Their specialty training and years of experience
enable them to deliver quality care. The attending neonatologist will oversee
the care of your baby.
Neonatal nurse practitioners, certified in neonatal
medicine, are skilled in the care of newborns. They work in collaboration with
the neonatologist to assess your baby’s condition and care for your baby.
Neonatal nurses provide vital day-to-day support for your
baby. They are also responsible for educating and preparing you and your family
for your baby’s homecoming.
In addition to the neonatal team, you may meet with other
specialists at Phoenixville Hospital depending on your newborn’s condition.
These specialists include:
- Respiratory Therapists: Provide expertise and assistance
with breathing problems, including ventilating, measuring and monitoring your
baby’s breathing
- Audiologists: Specialize in the management of hearing
problems
- Physical/Occupational Therapists: Help your child reach
appropriate physical development milestones
- Pediatric Ophthalmologists: Evaluate and treat eye
conditions
- Pediatric Sub-specialists: Phoenixville Hospital has
access to sub-specialists including pediatric cardiologists, neurologists,
geneticists and surgeons.
- Social Services Professionals: Available for emotional
support and assistance when your baby is preparing to go home
We encourage you and your family to visit often and
become an integral part of caring for your baby. During visiting hours, you are
able to hold and spend time with your baby. If your baby cannot yet be held,
cuddling your baby with your hands is a wonderful way to bond with your newborn.
As your newborn becomes healthy, you are able to help
with feeding, changing diapers and taking your child’s temperature.
Parents have 24 hour visitation access. We recommend that
you plan at least an hour for each visit in order to participate in the care
routine. Please prearrange visits of grandparents, siblings and other relatives
with the baby's nurse.
Parents and baby will continue to receive support from
the neonatal team after leaving the NICU. We will work with you and your family
to make the transition from hospital to home as easy as possible. Our nurses and
social service professionals will educate you on the many support services and
groups available in your area.
In addition, Phoenixville Hospital will help arrange home
health visits for your baby if required.