Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)
The NICU has achieved outstanding outcomes in several categories based on reports from the Vermont Oxford Network, a non-profit voluntary collaboration of health care professionals representing more than 400 international member hospitals.
A special part of Peggy V. Helmerich Women's Health Center is the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Infants hospitalized in the NICU often have complications of prematurity or neonatal infections and health challenges from birth.
Their challenges are met with exceptional medical care and support in this unique state-of-the-art facility with skilled and compassionate staff.
- A full range of newborn intensive care and neonatal surgical services are available.
- A Neonatal Transport Team is available to transfer newborns or high-risk obstetrical patients from other hospitals.
- Arrangements for transfer can be made 24 hours-a-day by calling 918/579-8397.
This new Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit was built after seven years of research. The 40-bed facility features a unique pod design with subdued lighting and sound, that enhances the developmental environment for infants, and provides privacy for families.
The NICU is unique in that it is the first in Tulsa built from the ground up instead of a renovation of existing space in the hospital, according to Dr. Lisa Owens, NICU Medical Director.
“We designed the unit with family-centered care as our benchmark. This allows us to offer state-of-the-art facilities and maintain the family's need for consistent physician contact and privacy with their infant,” says Owens.
NICU staff has significant experience in caring for multiples, the twins above are co-bedding.
Medical Staff
Comprehensive medical care is provided by Board Certified Neonatologists around-the-clock. The physicians utilize a primary physician care plan whereby each neonatologist follows each infant through his or her entire hospitalization, on an individual basis. This approach gives the infant and familiy continuity of care and communication.
The multi-disciplinary team in the NICU includes neonatal nurse practioners, high-risk nurses, neonatal nurses, respiratory and physical therapists, certified lactation consultants, a dietician, education and social service coordinators, and chaplain.
Care is provided to many high-risk mothers through an active practice of Maternal Fetal Medicine Specialists associated with Helmerich Women's Center. "We enjoy the luxury of working closely with some of the city's top Maternal Fetal Medicine Specialists," said Owens.
"These specialists in turn attract some of the most difficult and complicated pregnancies to our hospital. Having the high-risk infants born in our facility, rather than in an outside facility, contributes to our excellent outcomes. An infant born in a hospital with neonatal intensive care has the best chance for survival," concludes Owens.
Board Certified Neonatologists are on-site 24 hours each day, providing the highest level of care to infants.
NICU Neonatologists: (left to right)
Lisa Owens, D.O. Medical Director
Craig A. Anderson, D.O.
Robert B. Lawson, D.O.
Michael E. Lenhart, D.O.
NICU features include:
- 40 beds
- Two isolation rooms for returning infants or transfers from other facilities
- State-of-the art equipment such as infant monitors, isolettes and radiant warmers
- Parent-care transition rooms for families preparing to take their infant home
- Co-bedding and monitoring for multiples
- Sterile room for minor procedures
- Private rooms for lactation consulting and expressing breast milk
- Service area for preparing stored milk and formulas for feedings
- Training room for "Baby Boot Camp," which offers infant care and CPR classes
