Netcare Margate hospital recently officially opened its new four-bed, state-of-the-art neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) for premature and newborn babies who need specialised care.
The modern unit is equipped with two isolation cubicles and advanced technology such as ventilators and continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines. High technology incubators with humidification and in-bed weighing provide the babies with the nurturing environment and development support they require.
The unit also has a cutting-edge Giraffe Omnibed, which serves both as an incubator and radiant warmer. The omnibed’s versatility, however, even allows for surgical procedures to be performed without having to remove the baby from the omnibed to go to theatre, which minimises disruptions to a baby who is highly compromised and contributes to achieving best outcomes.
Pic: Some of the staff members photographed in Netcare Margate Hospital's brand new state-of-the-art neonatal intensive care unit. From left to right are Sr Khethiwe Thusi, Sr Rowena Fiona Naick, Amanda Grobler, manager of the NICU and maternity unit; and Cynthia Madlulela, a healthcare worker in the unit's milk kitchen.
Speaking at the opening of the NICU, the hospital general manager, Rob Ferreira said: “It is very rewarding for us that we are able to offer such a specialised service at our hospital. This is aligned with Netcare’s commitment to providing the best and safest care for each person in hospital, including the most vulnerable babies who are especially precious to us.”
The nursing manager at Netcare Margate Hospital, Sarah Mckaw, explained that the NICU is staffed by experienced and caring paediatric nursing professionals and are fortunate to have paediatrician, Dr Bhavna Jasmat, and obstetrician and gynaecologist, Dr Shavi Govender, providing clinical care to the infants.
Sr Amanda Grobler, manager of the NICU and the maternity unit, said: “We believe in involving the families of the babies in our facility in all aspects of their care and focus on creating a warm, loving environment to foster bonding between parents and their baby in the early stages of each baby’s development.”
“Designed and lovingly decorated to provide a tranquil and healing environment, our aim is to minimise stress on the infants and promote normal neurological development for these babies, which is aided by soft lighting and our focus on keeping noise levels low,” she added.
The mother and baby friendly NICU also incorporates a comfortable breastfeeding and expressing area and Kangaroo conveniences to promote skin-to-skin contact between mother (or father) and baby.
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Issued by: MNA on behalf of Netcare Margate Hospital
Contact: Martina Nicholson, Meggan Saville, Graeme Swinney or Estene Lotriet-Vorster
Telephone: (011) 469 3016
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