Holy Name Opens Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

On Oct 9, 2024

Teaneck-based Holy Name Medical Center yesterday opened a new Level III, state-of-the-art neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), an upgrade from its previous status as a Level II special care nursery. According to the medical center, the new unit ensures every newborn who is born prematurely, is critically ill or requires surgery has access to specialized, high-quality care provided by neonatologists, nurses, respiratory therapists, and other specialists.

“The Level III nursery will expand our current expert care to our most vulnerable patients. Before, an infant requiring Level III care would be immediately transported out of the organization, away from the mother. Providing an NICU with expert physicians, nurses and support staff will eliminate ambulance transfers of newborns and parents divided between two hospitals, and will enable bonding of the family unit, thereby affording our community and patients with the level of care they have come to expect at Holy Name,” said Michele Acito, DNP, NP-C, NE-BC, executive vice president/chief nursing officer.

“The NICU significantly impacts women and children by providing specialized, compassionate care that enhances the hospital’s reputation for critical care. With a dedicated team of skilled nurses and physicians, the unit emphasizes family-centered support and education, aligning with the hospital’s mission to promote health and well-being. The medical staff is not only skilled in pediatric and maternal care, but also prioritizes compassionate communication, helping families navigate challenging situations,” added David Sorrentino, MD, neonatologist and chief of the NICU.

The $3.5 million dollar Level III NICU features include:

• Board-certified neonatologists and pediatric medical and surgical specialists
• Specialized nursing staff, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, respiratory therapists, dedicated social workers
• 24/7 in hospital coverage with neonatal experts
• Beds with integrated music therapy and in-room parent accommodations to mimic home life before discharge.
• Advanced equipment for bedside surgeries, if needed
• Family center with web-based video cameras for remote baby monitoring.
• Latest-gen environment-controlled incubators, ventilators, and monitoring systems.

“The NICU plays a crucial role in the health of both women and children. Early interventions in the NICU can lead to better long-term health outcomes, including cognitive and developmental progress. The NICU staff encourages parental involvement through skin-to-skin contact and other bonding practices, and NICU staff provide education for mothers about their child’s care needs, empowering them to take an active role in their child’s health,” stated Heather A. Uccello, DNP, RN, RNC-NIC, NICU manager.

Opening of the Level III NICU follows the recent modernization of Holy Name’s BirthPlace which, together, offers new parents a higher level of acuity; greater comfort and convenience — from family bonding time, to reduced levels of stress; and continuity of care for mom and baby.

The new NICU was made possible by the generosity of the Serviam Foundation and Douglas M. Noble Family Foundation.

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