Holy Name Medical Center in Teaneck recently opened a new, Level III, state-of-the-art neonatal intensive care unit, an upgrade from its previous status as a Level II special care nursery.
The new unit ensures every newborn who is born prematurely, is critically ill or requires surgery has access to specialized, high-quality, care provided by neonatologists, nurses, respiratory therapists, and other specialists. It alleviates the need for infants born prematurely to be transported to other facilities, away from their parents.
Michele Acito, Holy Name’s Chief Nursing Officer, said the impact will be felt immediately.
“The Level III nursery will expand our current expert care to our most vulnerable patients,” she said. “Before, an infant requiring Level III care would be immediately transported out of the organization, away from the mother.
“Providing an NICU with expert physicians, nurses and support staff will eliminate ambulance transfers of newborns and parents divided between two hospitals, and will enable bonding of the family unit, thereby affording our community and patients with the level of care they have come to expect at Holy Name.”
Dr. David Sorrentino, the chief of the NICU, agreed.
“The NICU significantly impacts women and children by providing specialized, compassionate care that enhances the hospital’s reputation for critical care,” he said. “With a dedicated team of skilled nurses and physicians, the unit emphasizes family-centered support and education, aligning with the hospital’s mission to promote health and well-being. The medical staff is not only skilled in pediatric and maternal care, but also prioritizes compassionate communication, helping families navigate challenging situations.”
The $3.5 million dollar Level III NICU features include:
- Board-certified neonatologists and pediatric medical and surgical specialists
- Specialized nursing staff, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, respiratory therapists, dedicated social workers
- 24/7 in hospital coverage with neonatal experts
- Beds with integrated music therapy and in-room parent accommodations to mimic home life before discharge
- Advanced equipment for bedside surgeries, if needed
- Family center with web-based video cameras for remote baby monitoring.
- Latest-gen environment-controlled incubators, ventilators, and monitoring systems.
The opening of the Level III NICU follows the recent modernization of Holy Name’s BirthPlace which, together, offers new parents a higher level of acuity; greater comfort and convenience — from family bonding time, to reduced levels of stress; and continuity of care for mom and baby.
The new NICU was made possible by the generosity of the Serviam Foundation and Douglas M. Noble Family Foundation.
“To be able to care for premature infants from birth without leaving the hospital, as well as providing a facility to test without disturbing that child and creating a safe space for the parents to stay, is undeniably the most selfless act that the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace can provide – for our family to be part of this, is truly a blessing,” Aleta and Rich Taylor, of the Serviam Foundation, said.
