Since 1978, Central Baptist Hospital's neonatal intensive care unit has cared for high-risk infants throughout central, southern and eastern Kentucky.

Facilities

Our 24-bed, state-of-the-art unit provides comprehensive care to newborns who require special medical and nursing attention. Special treatment areas include:

• Ventilation management;
• Surfactant replacement therapy;
• Infectious diseases;
• Cardiac/apnea monitoring;
• Pediatric ophthalmology;
• Plastic surgery;
• Genetic counseling; and
• Pediatric surgery.

Consultations are available for:

• Cardiology;
• Endocrinology;
• Nephrology;
• Neurology;
• Neurosurgery;
• Orthopaedics; and
• Urology.

Staffing

We use a team approach to caring for critically ill newborns. This highly trained team provides 24-hour coverage, backed by the latest advances in medical knowledge and equipment. Our team includes:

• Board certified Neonatologists (physicians specializing in sick and premature newborn care);
• Neonatal nurse practitioner;
• Registered dietitian;
• Lactation consultants;
• Physical therapists;
• Occupational therapist;
• Social workers;
• Respiratory therapists;
• Pharmacists; and
• Specially educated nurses averaging nine years of neonatal intensive care experience.

The neonatal intensive care unit staff exhibits teamwork, competence, experience and ability. Our entire team has a hands-on role in all phases of treatment. Each infant's therapy and recovery are carefully planned and monitored every step of the way.

Visitation

Parents are encouraged to visit and participate in their infant's care as much as possible. Grandparents and great-grandparents may also visit. Other family and friends may visit if accompanied by a parent. Big brothers and sisters can participate in a prearranged visit after a health screen.Visitors are limited to two per family at a time. Visitors are welcome to visit twenty-four hours per day with the exception of shift changes. These times are:

• 7-7:45 a.m.;
• 3-3:45 p.m.;
• 7-7:30 p.m.; and
• 11-11:45 p.m.

Careful Follow-Up

All neonatal intensive care graduates participate in our neonatal follow-up program. The neonatologists who practice at Central Baptist Hospital monitor the development of the baby and coordinate hearing screenings, metabolic screenings and physical therapy evaluations.

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