At Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital, nestled within our state-of-the-art 118-bed Level IV Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), we provide specialized and dedicated care for newborns with cardiac conditions. In partnership with the Children’s Heart Institute at Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital, our NICU is designed to deliver the highest level of care available for premature and critically ill newborns, particularly those facing complex cardiac challenges. Our focus is on delivering high-quality care through a combination of cutting-edge technology, specialized medical training and a deeply compassionate, family-centered approach. The NICU at Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital is not only equipped with advanced medical technologies but is also staffed by team members who are committed to helping provide the optimal care for our smallest patients.
Babies admitted to the NICU with cardiac conditions face unique and significant challenges that require experienced care and constant vigilance. Due to the fragility and complexity of their health, these infants can experience rapid changes in their condition that demand immediate and precise medical responses. Cardiac conditions in these patients can range from congenital heart defects like ventricular septal defects or Tetralogy of Fallot, to more severe issues such as hypoplastic left heart syndrome, which require complex and continuous care.
Additionally, these young patients are particularly sensitive to external changes and factors such as temperature fluctuations or exposure to infections, which must be carefully managed. Their compromised health also makes them more vulnerable to pathogens, making strict infection control protocols critical in their care environment.
Overall, our NICU staff's ability to promptly recognize and respond to these changes, along with our proactive management of the care environment, is vital in safeguarding the fragile lives of newborns with specialized cardiac needs. This high level of care provided helps promote positive outcomes for these vulnerable infants, supporting their complex needs through dedicated vigilance and a deep understanding of the unique challenges they face.
NICU nurses at Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital possess specialized knowledge in neonatal care, with additional training specific to neonatal cardiac care. This includes understanding the complexities of newborns’ hearts, the potential complications associated with various cardiac conditions and the most effective interventions.
Our nurses in the NICU undergo rigorous certifications to ensure the highest standard of care for critically ill newborns, particularly those with cardiac conditions. These certifications include the Certified Neonatal Nurse (RNC-NIC), which validates a nurse's expertise in neonatal care, and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), which equips nurses to manage severe, life-threatening situations effectively. These specialized training programs are essential for providing comprehensive and adept care in the high-stakes environment of the NICU.
We prioritize open, honest, and frequent communication with your family. Understanding that the NICU journey can be stressful, we ensure you are updated regularly about your baby’s progress and plans of care.
Our NICU offers a range of support services for your family, including psychological support, educational sessions about your baby's condition and care coordination to help you navigate the health care process.
At the NICU at Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital, we provide advanced care, services, and treatments that integrate seamlessly with those offered by The Children’s Heart Institute. Our facility is equipped with the most advanced technology and equipment necessary for babies and children requiring specialized cardiac care.
Our patients benefit from immediate access to Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO), a life-saving technique that supports the heart and lungs, allowing critically ill children to rest while their organs recover. As one of the high-volume ECMO programs in Texas, our Pediatric/ Neonatal ECMO Program supports approximately 30 children annually, highlighting our capacity and experience in managing severe cardiac conditions.
We also offer 24/7 access to a sophisticated, child-friendly cardiac catheterization lab, where affiliated physicians and clinicians perform over 400 cardiac procedures each year. This service is crucial for diagnosing and treating complex heart conditions from a young age.
Our family-centered approach involves parents and caregivers alongside the medical care team to ensure the best outcomes for each child. This collaborative strategy extends beyond immediate medical responses to include comprehensive, round-the-clock care by specialists trained in complex congenital heart diseases.
Moreover, as our young patients grow, we provide a smooth transition into adult care for congenital heart defects in partnership with the Larry D. Johnson Heart & Vascular Institute at Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center. This continuity of care is essential for long-term health and well-being.
Additionally, we facilitate accommodations for our NICU families through the Ronald McDonald House of Houston located on campus, ensuring that families can stay close to their hospitalized child without the burden of excessive travel and accommodation costs.
Many neonates with cardiac conditions are diagnosed before birth. Together with The Fetal Center at Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital, we provide continuum of care before, during and after birth for babies with congenital heart defects.
Choosing the NICU at Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital means selecting a center of excellence for neonatal cardiac care, known for its proven expertise and positive outcomes. Our facility’s commitment to high standards of care and the use of state-of-the-art treatments positions us as one of the leaders in the field.
Our family-centered approach actively involves you in the care process of your newborn. This philosophy helps build trust and provides reassurance about the quality of care your baby receives, making families integral participants in the care and decision-making processes.
Our care is comprehensive, addressing all aspects of a baby’s health from nutritional support to developmental therapies, tailoring care to your child’s specific needs. Moreover, we are committed to continuous improvement, consistently educating our staff, upgrading our facilities and technology, and integrating the latest research findings and evidence-based care into our practices.
At Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital’s NICU, we understand the immense challenges and fears that come with having a newborn in cardiac care. We are dedicated to not only providing exceptional clinical care but also offering the compassion and support that your family needs during this difficult time.
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