A new Tier 3 Neonatal Intensive Care Unit is now open at Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital, allowing expectant families in the Kootenay Boundary area to stay close to home when facing early deliveries.
The new unit was made possible after the Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital Health Foundation successfully raised $745,000 for its development.
A media release from Interior Health stated that the funding allowed for the purchase of required Tier 3 NICU equipment.
Interior Health (IH) also added specialized NICU healthcare workers to support deliveries and care for babies born after 34 weeks, as well as urgent acute care for babies born even earlier with moderate risk.
“Families who have babies before full term face additional challenges and stress,” said Susan Brown, President and CEO of Interior Health.
“In addition to the equipment from the Foundation, our nurses in Trail stepped up to take the specialized training needed to support this increased service, and we added new positions to the department. This commitment helps provide the best possible outcomes to these families without the burden of travel.”
The release stated that significant equipment upgrades were required to acquire the Tier 3 unit and accommodate the needs of newborns.
Three newly funded isolettes (specialized cribs), monitors, and stabilization equipment are available, with care provided by neonatal healthcare professionals including a NICU educator, nurses, and allied health professionals.
“This is wonderful for families in the Kootenay Boundary,” said Lisa Pasin, Executive Director of the KBRH Health Foundation.
“The new neonatal medical equipment will improve accessibility to a higher level of care for families during what can be a challenging time and will also support specialist services and recruitment for our area.”
IH said the new service will benefit expectant families throughout the entire Kootenay Boundary, reducing the burden of travel and keeping them close to local extended family and supports.
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