NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit)

Understanding the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) is a specialized area within a hospital designed to care for newborn babies who need intensive medical attention. These units are equipped with advanced technology and staffed by highly trained healthcare professionals who provide round-the-clock care to premature or critically ill infants.

Independence Health System (IHS) is proud to partner with WVU Medicine Children Hospital for our NICU program at Westmoreland Hospital. This partnership allows our community to benefit from the expertise of WVU Medicine Children Hospital’s neonatologists, who specialize in treating complex neonatal conditions, have access to clinical trials, and opportunities for continuous staff education.

Why Do Babies Go to the NICU?

Babies may be admitted to the NICU for a variety of reasons, including:

• Premature birth (born before 37 weeks of gestation)
• Low birth weight (less than 5.5 pounds)
• Breathing difficulties
• Heart problems
• Infections
• Birth defects
• Complications during delivery

Twins, triplets, and other multiples are also more likely to need NICU care due to their increased risk of being born early or with lower birth weights.

Levels of NICU Care

Independence Health System Westmoreland Hospital is proud to have a Level II NICU Unit. The American Academy of Pediatrics classifies NICUs into four levels based on the complexity of care they provide:

• Level I – Basic care for healthy, full-term babies.
• Level II – Care for moderately ill or premature infants who need short-term support. The Special Care Nursery at Westmoreland Hospital is a Level II NICU.
• Level III – Advanced care for very premature or critically ill newborns, including access to specialized equipment and staff.
• Level IV – The highest level of care, offering surgical interventions and treatment for the most complex conditions.

Who Works at the NICU?

IHS is proud to partner with WVU Medicine Children Hospital for our NICU program at Westmoreland Hospital.

NICUs are staffed by a multidisciplinary team of experts, including:

• Neonatologists – Doctors specializing in newborn care.
• Neonatal Nurse Practitioners- highly trained nurse practitioners who specialize in the medical care of sick or preterm newborns.
• Special Care Nurses – Specially trained nurses who monitor and care for infants.
• Our Special Care Nursery is also supported by additional team members such as respiratory therapists and pharmacists, when necessary.

What to Expect in the NICU

The NICU can be an overwhelming place for parents, but it’s designed to give babies the best possible start in life. While spending time with a NICU baby they may need assistance from any of the following:

• Incubators and warmers to regulate body temperature.
• Monitors track heart rate, oxygen levels, and other vital signs.
• Feeding tubes for babies who can’t yet feed on their own.
• Ventilators and oxygen support for babies with breathing issues.
• Intravenous catheter (IV) for babies requiring additional fluid/nutrition or antibiotic treatment.

To sign up for our Maternity and Newborn Education App, click here.