The Division of Neonatology is a 40-bed Level III Regional Perinatal Center. As a Regional Perinatal Center, we provide the highest level of care for high-risk mothers and acutely ill newborns including nitric oxide and high frequency ventilators.
Comprehensive medical care is provided by seven full-time, board-certified neonatologists, providing hospital coverage 24 hours a day. In addition, the neonatology team includes highly skilled neonatal hospitalists, neonatal nurses, clinical nurse specialists, dedicated respiratory therapists, pediatric occupational/physical therapists, genetic counselors, a child life team, lactation consultants, social workers, nutritionists and pharmacists. We work in a multidisplinary model with input for care from all members of the team.
The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) has about 940 admissions per year. Approximately 80 newborns weigh less than 1,500 grams (approximately 3lbs., 5oz.). To address their medical needs, we provide an array of services including neonatal transport, hyper alimentation (intravenous nutrition), mechanical ventilation, high-frequency oscillation (rapid ventilation up to 900 breaths per minute), body cooling for newborns and inhaled nitric oxide.
All pediatric surgical specialties are available to handle any congenital abnormalities needing surgery. Pediatric anesthesiologists are part of the team to care for surgery patients.
All medical/surgical care is delivered in a manner designed to optimize “family-centered care.” To implement this philosophy, mothers are taught and encouraged to provide “kangaroo care” or skin-to-skin contact with premature infants and partner with us in the care of their infants.
Other aspects of family-centered care include that twins be bedded together, as well as a comprehensive music therapy program and a sibling visitation program that have been developed to provide support for the entire family. We have no restrictions on parents being with their babies, day or night.
Follow up for all medical and surgical problems are coordinated as part of the discharge process with a team meeting. When a baby graduates from the NICU, the family is referred to our Institute for Child Development (ICD). The ICD is part of The Children’s Hospital at Hackensack University Medical Center and provides for evaluation of the child’s growth and development, and also offers early intervention programs if needed.
Staff
Medical Director
Michael Giuliano, M.D.
Senior Neonatologist
Harold Perl, M.D.
Neonatologists
Rakesh Chhabra, M.D.
Benjamin Planer, M.D.
Eva Duncan, M.D.
Melissa Lestini, M.D.
Nichole Spillane, M.D.
Joseph Sison, M.D.
Madgy El-Hennaway, M.D.
Nurse Manager
Cassandra Martin-Walters, RN, MSN