PMC’s NICU staff consists of experienced neonatologists, resident physicians, primary nurses, respiratory therapists, speech and occupational therapists and more – all there to meet every child’s unique medical needs.

The PMC NICU team not only cares for children born at the medical center – PMC has a state-of-the-art NICU transporter that allows their team to travel to other hospitals and safely transport fragile newborns to or from PMC for advanced care, so children near and far can receive the attention and care they need.

In addition, The PMC Foundation for Quality Healthcare is pleased to have received a grant from the Little Giraffe Foundation to support the Level II Advanced NICU Family Support Initiative. Upon baby’s discharge from the NICU, PMC gifts each family a care bag filled with essential care items to help alleviate some of the daily challenges of NICU life.

PMC’s NICU staff not only sends families home with the resources they need to give their baby the best possible start in life, but they are also prepared to help families choose a pediatrician before leaving the hospital. This is just one of the many ways PMC is dedicated to helping families leave the hospital feeling confident and prepared to care for their babies.

The post Advanced Neonatal Care Close To Home appeared first on Pikeville Medical Center.

PMC’s NxtGen Transport Incubator from International Biomedical, the first model of transport incubator of its kind purchased in Kentucky, is equipped with the most recent advancements in NICU transport technology. With an array of advanced features, including smart thermoregulation, a heated mattress and extended battery life, the NxtGen is an all-inclusive solution for ground and air transport incubation. It is customized with the integrated Hamilton neonatal ventilator and Philips cardiac monitor, ensuring all necessary data is readily accessible through the NxtGen Transport Incubator. With temperature regulation, monitoring capabilities and advanced life support systems, this transporter ensures that neonatal patients are in the safest hands when transported to PMC’s NICU.

“Having advanced medical equipment like the NICU Transporter is crucial in providing the highest level of care for our most vulnerable patients here in Eastern Kentucky. This advanced state-of-the-art transporter allows us to safely transfer newborns who require specialized medical attention, ensuring they receive timely and critical care to and from the hospital,” said Dr. Myla Santiago, PMC Neonatologist. “Being the first in the state to acquire this latest edition of the NICU Transporter is a significant step forward for PMC. It reinforces our commitment to delivering world-class healthcare right here at home.”

For the tiniest patients, time is of the essence. The new NICU Transporter is designed to provide the highest level of care during transport, maintaining the delicate balance required for neonates needing specialized medical attention.

“The arrival of the NICU Transporter is a significant milestone for us,” said Donovan Blackburn, Chairman, President and CEO of Pikeville Medical Center. “This equipment allows us to provide continuous, specialized care during critical moments of transport and reinforces our commitment to giving every child the best chance at life, no matter how small.”

The new NICU Transporter meets the highest standards of care and is a testament to PMC’s dedication to providing the best possible outcomes for our patients. “We are deeply grateful to the WHAS Crusade for Children for their support,” said Tondra Polly, Director of PMC Neonatal Services. “This transporter is not just a piece of equipment; it’s a lifeline for our most fragile patients. It ensures that every infant we care for has the best chance to thrive, and we are honored to be able to offer this level of care to our community.”

The post PMC Enhances Neonatal Care With State-Of-The-Art NICU Transporter appeared first on Pikeville Medical Center.

In addition to being able to treat more babies, moving to a 16-bed unit increased PMC’s level of care from a level II to a level II Advanced Care NICU.  That will allow PMC physicians and staff to care for babies born earlier in the mother’s pregnancy. Previously, babies born sooner than 32 weeks had to be transferred to a higher level facility.  However, the PMC NICU will now be able to keep and take care of babies born as early as 28 weeks.  PMC NICU staff will also be able to treat babies with a lower birth weight than before.

“This is exciting news for our entire region,” explained PMC NICU Medical Director and Neonatologist Todd Hambleton, MD.  “We will now be able to keep more babies closer to their families, easing emotional and financial burdens.  This will allow some families to see their babies every day instead of once a week or even longer.”

PMC officials say it’s very important to carefully choose a hospital when facing a medical procedure.  “You don’t always know that a baby is going to require specialized care before you give birth,” explained PMC Director of Women’s and Children’s Services Tondra Blevins.  “Our labor and delivery department has state-of-the-art equipment and our physicians are excellent.”  “The availability of an advanced care NICU can be an important consideration when expectant parents are choosing their birth hospital.”

For more information about the services provided by PMC’s NICU, visit the NICU page or call 606-430-3500.

The post ICU For Newborns To Double In Size appeared first on Pikeville Medical Center.

Adequate neonatal equipment is essential for newborns.  Research shows that 27 percent of infants who are moved from one point of care to another experience complications such as hypothermia.  Premature infants have a decreased control of their temperature regulation due to an immature nervous system.  Temperature stability is a massive issue in a newborn’s life.

The new Giraffe Incubator purchased with the grant money is one of the most advanced, developmentally supportive pieces of equipment designed to promote the growth and stability of fragile newborns.  The Incubator is able to provide several different modalities of treatment to the newborn within the same piece of equipment, reducing the need to transfer the infant from different pieces of equipment.

The new equipment will also have benefits beyond the newborn’s medical care.  PMC’s NICU will be able to provide the level of care premature babies need locally, thus reducing travel costs and other financial burdens to parents and family of the infant.  The ability to remain close is of immense importance and allows a greater connection between the baby and family.

For more information about the services provided by PMC’s NICU, visit the NICU page or call 606-430-3500.

The post Brave Beginnings Funds Special NICU Bed appeared first on Pikeville Medical Center.

Dr. Santiago is a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics. Dr. Hambleton is board certified by the American Board of Pediatrics. Dr. Hambleton is also board certified in neonatal-perinatal medicine.

In addition to leading the way for advanced care for premature babies at PMC, Dr. Hambleton also gives back to the community in a special way. He has worked closely with the March of Dimes for the past seven years, serving on their local committee as well as the March of Dimes Committee for Maternal-Child Health in Kentucky. He has even served as March of Dimes Honorary Chair for Pike County, helping to raise funds and awareness for prematurity in eastern Kentucky. Dr. Hambleton was also part of the PMC Delegation at the Kentucky Perinatal Quality Collaborative, dedicated to improving maternal and infant health in the commonwealth.

Eastern Kentucky has a rate of premature births higher than the national average. There are a host of issues that a premature baby would need specialized care for. “The earlier a baby is born, the more likely they are to have problems. Lung development is a common issue that many premature babies face,” Dr. Hambleton explained. “This can result in the baby needing ventilator support to help facilitate breathing and we can do that here at PMC.”

Dr. Hambleton warns that smoking by pregnant mothers is a major factor in low birth weight and prematurity. Kentucky and West Virginia lead the nation in adult smoking rates. For help quitting smoking, please call 606-218-4843 to learn more. For more information about the services provided by PMC’s NICU, visit the NICU page or call 606-430-3500.

The post Physicians Caring for Premature Babies appeared first on Pikeville Medical Center.