Memorial Hermann Northeast Hospital yesterday unveiled an expanded and fully renovated Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) during a ceremony that also honored beloved neonatologist Dr. Ángel Muñoz, MD, MPH.
“As our region continues to grow, Memorial Hermann remains dedicated to meeting the healthcare needs of the community,” said Josh Urban, Senior Vice President and CEO of Memorial Hermann Northeast Hospital and Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Medical Center. “Among the many projects underway is our new, state-of-the-art NICU. Thanks to generous support from our partners at the Northeast Hospital Authority, we have been able to grow our NICU services, both in space and technology.”
Funded by the Northeast Hospital Authority, the $1.3 million project expanded the hospital’s NICU from six to 10 beds and purchased new equipment that enables affiliated physicians and staff to care for premature infants as young as 28 weeks gestation.
In addition to new beds and increased capabilities, the NICU also will take on a new name – the Ángel Muñoz, MD, MPH Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Memorial Hermann Northeast Hospital. Dr. Muñoz established the Humble area’s first NICU in 1994 and provided expert care for more than 25,000 babies during his 25 years of service.
“There is no one more deserving of this honor than Dr. Muñoz,” said Roy Hearnsberger, president of the Northeast Hospital Authority. “He dedicated his life to caring for our community’s tiniest residents and their families, providing comfort, strength and steadfast care, and for that we are extremely grateful.”