Northwestern Medicine Palos Hospital Expands Neonatology Services
Northwestern Medicine Palos Hospital Expands Neonatology Services (Palos Heights, IL) — Specialized care for the tiniest patients is now available around the clock at Northwestern Medicine Palos Hospital. The Labor and Delivery Department recently expanded neonatology services to serve patients 24 hours per day, seven days per week. Neonatologists are physicians trained in the care of premature and fragile newborns.
“Our neonatologists can provide care for preterm and low birthweight newborns,” said Colleen Malloy, MD, medical director for neonatology at Northwestern Medicine Palos Hospital. “Having specialized staff onsite at all hours leads to improved quality of care and outcomes for newborns.”
Palos Hospital’s ten neonatologists are all on staff at Ann & Robert Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago. The neonatology unit’s designation as a level II special care nursery allows them to care for infants born after 32 weeks and weighing more than 3.3 lbs. In addition to expanding hours, the unit has updated supplies and equipment to support advanced practice and technology.
24-hour coverage means newborns can receive more intensive monitoring and treatment in house at Palos Hospital rather than being transferred to a different facility.
“Keeping families together during a crucial period in newborn development is a priority for us at Palos Hospital,” said Dr. Malloy. “This expansion of hours will help us achieve that.”
For newborns that require a higher level of care, Palos Hospital will continue to partner with Lurie Children’s neonatologists and local hospitals. Through this partnership, patients will have access to a range of pediatric subspecialists at Lurie Children’s.
“Having neonatologists available at all times not only allows us to care for more newborns, but it also builds morale and confidence among the staff that work closely with the unit, including OB/GYNs, nurses and anesthesiologists,” said Catherine Adelakun, APRN, practice manager of maternal child health at Northwestern Medicine Palos Hospital.
Northwestern Medicine Palos Hospital Expands Neonatology Services
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