Detar Healthcare System Receives Level III NICU Designation
3/10/2022
DeTar Healthcare System is proud to announce its Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) has been designated as the Crossroads area’s first and only Level III Neonatal Facility by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS).
State law requires all NICUs to apply for neonatal level of care designations and undergo rigorous evaluation and verification to ensure NICUs meet stringent clinical care guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Level III NICU designation is the second-to-highest level of neonatal care recognized by DSHS.
The designation requires 24-hour, in-house coverage provided by board-certified neonatologists, and demonstrates DeTar Healthcare System’s ability to provide quality care for critically ill newborns experiencing complex medical conditions.
“This designation is a reflection of the high quality neonatal care we provide and of our commitment to the South Texas Crossroads,” said DeTar Healthcare System chief executive officer Bernard Leger. “Level III NICU designation means our hospital offers our community with expert care for newborns who need highly specialized treatment, including babies with low birth weights and those born as early as 23 weeks.”
DeTar Healthcare System’s 9-bed NICU is equipped with intensive care nursery technology and is staffed by a compassionate team of medical professionals who provide specialized care for critically ill and premature infants.
Dawn Jimenez, BSN, C-ELBW, neonatal program manager, expressed her gratitude to her team and other key hospital personnel who diligently worked to secure this achievement.
“Thanks to all of our multidisciplinary team of neonatologists, nurses, respiratory therapists, pharmacists, physical, occupational and speech therapists who helped us achieve this important designation that benefits our tiny patients, their families and our community,” said Jimenez. “Parents can rest assured that their babies are getting top-notch care in a setting that promotes family-centered care, close to their family and support systems.”
Last year, more than 140 infants were cared for in DeTar’s NICU. These babies are generally preterm infants and/or low birth weight infants who require a higher level of very specialized care.
Under HB 15, Texas was required to develop and implement operating standards for neonatal and maternal levels of care. The intent of this legislation is to ensure that neonatal intensive care units have the resources and expertise to provide high-quality patient care that will lead to the best outcomes for newborns and their families.
“DeTar's designation as a Level III NICU provides mothers in our community additional peace of mind," added neonatologist Dr. Girish Gowda, neonatal medical director for DeTar Healthcare System. “The designation means babies born too early or those who are critically ill can be treated here in Victoria thereby eliminating the stress families undergo when the babies are transferred to hospitals outside of the Crossroads.”
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