VHJ Spring 2008
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When minutes matter, count on a quality transport team
For critically ill babies, MeritCare's neonatal transport team makes a lifesaving difference. "This is a highly trained, experienced team of certified neonatal nurses and pediatric respiratory therapists who focus on quality – they measure it, check it and review it," says Sharon Spittler, R.N., patient care manager of the
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Quality – and more – distinguish MeritCare's neonatal transport team:
- Responsiveness. Available 24/7 at a moment's notice, the well-prepared neonatal transport team leaves MeritCare within 30 minutes or less of receiving a request from a hospital in the region.
- Rapid transfer. Traveling by ambulance, helicopter or fixed-wing airplane, the neonatal transport team can reach a destination quickly. The mode of transportation depends on weather and location, with safety as the top priority.
- An extensive range. The neonatal transport team travels the tristate region. In addition, the fixed-wing airplane can transport patients longer distances.
- Impressive capabilities. The neonatal transport team has the expertise and experience to meet a critically ill baby's needs, whether on-site at hospitals in the region or en route to Fargo. Team members are highly skilled in interpreting test results, giving lifesaving treatments (including nitric oxide) and preparing a baby for transport to Fargo. MeritCare has the only team in the region with nitric oxide capabilities available during transport.
- A reputation for excellence. Begun in 1972, the neonatal transport program has grown considerably. In 2007, 150 babies from throughout the region were transported to the NICU.
"Our neonatal transport team doesn't just do the best they can – they do the best," says Sharon. "And that's what babies in our region deserve." To learn more about MeritCare Children's neonatal transport team, please visit nicu.meritcare.com or call (800) 443-4779.
If you're pregnant and want to make sure highly-specialized care is available for your baby if a critical situation arises, talk to your doctor about MeritCare NICU.
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