Fragile
Among Us
Highly specialized care from a team of experts in the Neonatal
Intensive Care Unit (NICU) makes a world of difference to
hundreds of premature and sick infants each year
The NICU at The Children’s Hospital at Scott & White Healthcare has ranked nationwide
among the top 3 percent for survival rates. It was the first NICU in Texas to offer
advanced brain cooling technology to thwart brain injury in the most vulnerable
patients. Dedicated neonatologists and staff are available around the clock to help
tiny infants. Sometimes they are parents’ only hope.
“W
e have a wonderful staff who love
what they do,” says Cheryl
Cipriani, MD, section chief,
Neonatology, Scott & White Healthcare;
and medical director of the NICU at Scott
& White Healthcare. “We make sure
parents feel they’re taking part too, so we
really encourage them to be involved in
their baby’s care.” As a Level III nursery—
the only one between Dallas and Austin—
the NICU provides the highest level of
care for babies and premature infants,
according to national guidelines. Dr.
Cipriani credits a talented team of experts
for the unit’s success, which is affirmed by
a low mortality rate. Every day, parents
credit the team too for offering the kind
of dedicated care that may change their
child’s life.
Nothing short of a miracle
Carrie Hall of Copperas Cove, TX, and
her husband, John, were elated at the news
of her pregnancy. When Mrs. Hall was just
Allison Hall, age 3.
sw.org | Winter 10 THE CATALYST
5