NICU Opens at Dyer Campus

A Neonatal Intensive Care Unit opened recently at Franciscan St. Margaret Health-Dyer as part of the hospital's new Family Birthing Center, and in conjunction with a NICU at Franciscan St. Anthony Health-Crown Point. (View video of the blessing ceremony below.)

"This will help parents throughout our region feel more confident and comfortable, knowing that full services are available where their child is born," hospital president Tom Gryzbek said. "We will operate in tandem with the NICU at St. Anthony in Crown Point to offer regionalized services."

A 12-bed unit opened at St. Anthony in March.

Both Level III (capable of taking care of the smallest and most ill babies) units will be overseen by Jillian Hanger, St. Anthony NICU manager.

"No family ever expects their baby to need the services a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit offers. However, approximately 10 percent of all babies born will need NICU services to some extent. Being able to offer this service allows the moms and babies to remain together, with no need to be separated by transport," Hanger said.

The 660-square-foot Dyer NICU has three beds, with room for more as the need arises. Staff includes three neonatologists and approximately 20 nurses, according to Linda Kraiko, senior director of patient services.

"Our physicians recommended the NICU to answer the needs of their patients," she said, adding it was in the works shortly after the opening of the birthing center in August as part of a Franciscan Alliance regionalization initiative to expand services to better serve the area.

Suzanne Davidson, Franciscan St. Margaret Health-Dyer director of nursing-medical/surgical and women and children services, called the new unit "a wonderful idea."

"Nurses here and in Crown Point are excited. We will work together and share education, training and resources," she added.

For more information visit franciscanstmargaret.org or call (219) 865-2141, ext. 42033.