A NICU on wings
When a newborn needs intensive care , AHN LifeFlight™ helicopters or ambulances can get them to Saint Vincent Hospital ’ s Level III NICU quickly and safely .
NICU transporters , purchased with donations to the Children ’ s Miracle Network , are technologically advanced bassinets that keep babies warm , monitored , and breathing during their ride . They never have to leave their temperature-controlled cocoon .
“ It ’ s a NICU on wings ,” said Lanette Erdman , RN , nurse manager of the NICU . “ Critically ill babies are flown from rural hospitals or their homes . The flight nurses are trained to care for them , including any who might be suffering from neonatal abstinence syndrome ( opioid withdrawal ).”
Flight nurses relay vital information to the hospital NICU nurses , so they can prepare for their patient . “ This is reassuring for families who deliver at smaller hospitals , knowing that their babies can get to the specialized care they need ,” she said .
VIRGINIA LONG , FLIGHT NURSE , AHN LIFEFLIGHT™
Dr . Chekka cares about children and parents
While Dr . Ravi Chekka has seen many changes in his 10 years as a pediatrician , some things stay the same .
“ Parents are worried about their baby ’ s feeding , rashes , crying ,” he said . “ That ’ s a constant , but we keep finding new ways to reassure and educate .”
Renovations to the hospital ’ s Women and Infants Center have made it more pleasant for families as they become acclimated and more comfortable with their new babies .
“ With newborns rooming in at the hospital , there is a lot of emphasis on skin-to-skin ,” Dr . Chekka said . “ New parents have more time to practice bathing , calming , diapering , and feeding with support from the physicians , nurses , and staff .”
Dr . Chekka enjoys caring for children through his pediatric practice . “ I think it ’ s fun to watch them grow from a dependent
little peanut to a productive high-school graduate .” RAVI CHEKKA , MD , CHIEF OF PEDIATRICS , SAINT VINCENT HOSPITAL
To learn more about the labor and delivery services at AHN Saint Vincent , watch our video at erie . ahn . org / childbirth .