The Intensive Care Nursery of The University of Tennessee Memorial Hospital opened in 1970 due to the generosity of the late Katherine and Tom Black. It was designed to enhance the care of sick and/or premature infants and today serves as the regional referral center for East Tennessee. The nursery is a Level III center that provides state-of-the-art care and 24-hour physician coverage as well as emergency, laboratory and other specialized services—the only nursery of its kind in the region.
Many healthcare professionals are involved in the care of sick and/or premature infants. The following are members of the intensive care nursery team at UT Medical Center.
- Nurses—Constantly observe the infants, their responses to treatment and their environment. Perform treatments, explain care to parents, provide emotional support and hold and talk to infants.
- Physicians—Neonatologists specialize in the care of sick/premature infants and are available on site 24 hours a day to meet the infant’s special needs.
- Neonatal Nurse Practitioners—Nurses who have received advanced training in the care of sick newborns and work closely with the physicians in deciding the proper plan of care for the infants. They are members of the emergency transport team.
- Other important members of the team include social workers, respiratory therapists, pediatric nutritionists, lactation specialists, physical and occupational therapists, unit secretaries and cuddlers.
On March 6, 2005, the intensive care nursery commemorated its 35th anniversary by celebrating with more than 800 former patients and their families, doctors, nurses and volunteers.
Healthcare coordinators are available by calling toll-free 1.877.UT.CARES (1.877.882.2737) Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or emailing hcc@mc.utmck.edu. |
