Texas Children’s the Woodlands Designated as a Level IV NICU

THE WOODLANDS, TX -- Texas Children’s The Woodlands is excited to announce it has achieved Level IV NICU designation by the Texas Department of State Health Services, making it one of only 24 facilities in Texas to achieve the highest ranking possible and provide this advanced level of care for neonatal patients.

“This designation signifies to families in North Houston that Texas Children’s The Woodlands has the resources and expertise to care for the most complex neonatal cases,” said Ketrese White, president of Texas Children’s The Woodlands. “These babies require around-the-clock, highly specialized, multidisciplinary care, and now families know they have access to the highest level of treatment closer to home.”

This accomplishment required significant collaboration among NICU leadership, staff and employees, as well as comprehensive support services that help the neonatal team care for these critically ill babies, including Pharmacy, Respiratory, Physical Therapy, Lactation, Nutrition and Social Services.

With 14 beds, Texas Children’s is the only Level IV NICU in The Woodlands. The hospital treats patients for the full spectrum of neonatal needs, including prematurity, genetic anomalies, and complex medical and surgical needs.

“A NICU admission can be especially hard on parents because they are separated from their baby, which is why it’s incredibly valuable for families to have this level of care out in their community,” said Juanna Brandon, director of Patient Care Services. “It’s highly beneficial for a baby to have regular engagement with their parents to achieve their developmental milestones, so we encourage families to be in the NICU as much as possible. That’s made so much easier when the NICU is closer to the family’s home.”

ABOUT TEXAS CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL

Texas Children’s, a nonprofit health care organization, is committed to creating a healthier future for children and women throughout the global community by leading in patient care, education and research. Consistently ranked as the best children’s hospital in Texas and among the top in the nation, Texas Children’s has garnered widespread recognition for its expertise and breakthroughs in pediatric and women’s health. The system includes the Texas Children’s Duncan NRI; the Feigin Tower for pediatric research; Texas Children’s Pavilion for Women, a comprehensive obstetrics/gynecology facility focusing on high-risk births; Texas Children’s Hospital West Campus, a community hospital in suburban West Houston; Texas Children’s Hospital The Woodlands, the first hospital devoted to children’s care for communities north of Houston and Texas Children’s Hospital North Austin, the new state-of-the-art facility providing world-class pediatric and maternal care to Austin families. The organization also created Texas Children’s Health Plan, the nation’s first HMO focused on children; Texas Children’s Pediatrics, the largest pediatric primary care network in the country; Texas Children’s Urgent Care clinics that specialize in after-hours care tailored specifically for children; and a global health program that is channeling care to children and women all over the world. Texas Children’s Hospital is affiliated with Baylor College of Medicine. For more information, visit www.texaschildrens.org.