When parents are anxious about their newborn’s health, our neonatology experts are there to handle the situation by creating a calm, understanding atmosphere. Babies born early need time to catch up.
Avera’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) is where premature and high-risk infants with health issues go to receive hospital-based specialized care as they reach key milestones of development. Located inside the Avera McKennan Hospital, the NICU is a safe, private environment for our littlest patients to thrive and grow under the watchful care of skilled neonatologists, neonatal nurse practitioners and other specialists with special education and training.
In addition to neonatal experts at Avera Children’s Hospital, you can receive immediate access to pediatric intensivists and neonatologists through telemedicine technology. This approach provides fast care to those in surrounding communities and across our footprint.
Caring for Our Tiniest Patients
Your baby will have everything they need. Neonatologists treat babies born too early or with congenital disorders, diseases and other health conditions. Premature babies (born before 37 weeks) need special care and attention, because they are not physically or developmentally prepared to live outside the mother’s womb like babies born full-term. They may not be able to breathe on their own or maintain a healthy temperature. While it can be scary to experience preterm delivery, just know our experts are trained to handle these situations.
NICU Care for the Region
When needed, parents can access maternal and neonatal specialized transport throughout our region by Careflight air or ground ambulance. Remote monitoring and 24/7 support are available with eNICU, making telemedicine consultation a virtual care option to connect caregivers with these specialists.
Advanced Training & Technology
Our highly trained staff and integrated team of specialists hold advanced training in caring for high-risk infants. They use the latest technology and resources to facilitate the best outcomes possible.
- Advanced imaging
- Advanced respiratory support including ventilators
- Bedside laboratory testing
- Hemodynamic monitoring
- Neonatal surgery
- Pediatric subspecialists
- Specialized developmental supports
- Specialized beds for preterm infants
- Therapeutic hypothermia
- Care for twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS)
Telemedicine & Transport Assistance
At dozens of our hospitals and birth sites across the region, 24/7 labor and delivery care and remote NICU monitoring are available, plus Careflight emergency air transport to get patients to more advanced care when needed. Our physicians visit outreach sites and conduct some specialty visits via telemedicine and remote nursing.
Family-Centered Care
After having a baby, it’s only natural to want to hold your baby. Our staff understands the trust parents are placing in us to make sure their baby has the best care. We do our best to support families so they can focus on what’s in front of them. We welcome parents and siblings to visit your newborn. NICU mothers on bed rest will experience compassionate care and special accommodations to see their baby, such as single family rooms with pullout beds so parents can stay with their baby as needed.
