Dyer hospital opens neonatal ICU

• Reprints

The Rev. Henry Sequeira of the Franciscan St. Margaret Health-Dyer Spiritual Care Services Department blesses the hospital’s new Neonatal Intensive Care Unit during a recent ceremony. | Supplied photo

Updated: February 21, 2012 2:12PM

A Neonatal Intensive Care Unit opened recently at Franciscan St. Margaret Health-Dyer as part of the hospital’s new Family Birthing Center and in conjunction with an NICU at Franciscan St. Anthony Health-Crown Point.

“This will help parents throughout our region feel more confident and comfortable, knowing that full services are available where their child is born,” hospital president Tom Gryzbek said. “We will operate in tandem with the NICU at St. Anthony in Crown Point to offer regionalized services.”

A 12-bed unit opened at St. Anthony in March.

Both units — rated at Level III and capable of taking care of the smallest and most ill babies — will be overseen by Jillian Hanger, St. Anthony NICU manager.

“Approximately 10 percent of all babies born will need NICU services to some extent,” she said. “Being able to offer this service allows the moms and babies to remain together, with no need to be separated by transport.”

The 660-square-foot Dyer NICU has three beds, with room for more as the need arises. Staff includes three neonatologists and about 20 nurses, said Linda Kraiko, senior director of patient services.

Suzanne Davidson, Franciscan St. Margaret Health-Dyer director of nursing-medical-surgical and women and children services, called the new unit “a wonderful idea.”

“Nurses here and in Crown Point are excited; we will work together and share education, training and resources,” she said.

For more information on the NICU and the Family Birthing Center, call (219) 865-2141, Ext. 42033.