August 03, 2007

Expanding NICU

Genesis to add space as patient census increases

DAVENPORT, IOWA - There will be more space available for the care of premature and sick babies born in the Quad Cities when Genesis Medical Center, East Rusholme Street completes an expansion project.

The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, or NICU, at Genesis in Davenport has frequently been at patient capacity, or close to patient capacity, since a relationship with the Children’s Hospital of Iowa at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics began in April 2006. The University of Iowa provides neonatologists to Genesis. The doctors are on the staff at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, but provide full-time coverage of the Genesis NICU.

The NICU expansion project at Genesis will add space for the care of six additional babies. Offices will be remodeled and a second sleeping room with shower will be added for family members who stay overnight with sick babies.

The new capacity of the unit will be 20.

“The relationship with the University of Iowa has allowed us to be able to take care of sicker babies in a safer fashion under the care of University of Iowa-affiliated neonatologists,’’ said Deb Renner, manager of the Genesis BirthCenter and until recently, interim manager of the NICU.

“More babies are able to receive the specialized care they require at Genesis, and because they are being transferred from one University of Iowa neonatologist to another University of Iowa neonatologist, we are also receiving babies back more quickly from the University of Iowa. There is a higher level of confidence and trust among the doctors and nurses that the care needed is available here.’’

The highest-risk babies from the Quad Cities may still receive their initial care at Children’s Hospital of Iowa.

Neonatologist Zahi Zeidan, M.D., practices at Genesis and lives in the Quad Cities but is also on the medical staff at the University of Iowa. A second doctor, who also will be on the medical staff at the University of Iowa, is scheduled to join Dr. Zeidan at Genesis later in the year. Other University of Iowa neonatologists also provide c overage at Genesis.

Cindy Skipton, R.N., B.S.N., who was recently named manager of the Genesis NICU, said, “I think families who know about the relationship we have with the University of Iowa have a sense of security about having their babies at Genesis.

“If there are difficulties with a pregnancy, it is reassuring to know that there is a consistent, high level of expertise available from the neonatologists and the skilled nursing staff at Genesis.’’

Frank Claudy, M.D. and Vice President of Medical Affairs, Genesis Medical Center, said the NICU expansion project will integrate the concepts used for the last NICU expansion in 2001.

Noise and light are controlled in the unit to create a better healing environment. The unit was also designed to provide family comfort with five private rooms and sleeping accommodations for parents or other family members who wish to stay overnight.

“We’ve been very pleased with this relationship with the University of Iowa neonatologists,’’ Dr. Claudy said. “One of the great benefits has been to families who don’t necessarily have to go to Iowa City with their premature and sick babies. More of those children are staying here to receive their care.’’

Projected cost of the NICU expansion is $484,575. During the expansion project, the NICU will be relocated for approximately three months. The expansion work will begin this fall.

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