Tyler, Texas (October 1, 2024) — UT Health Tyler is proud to announce that it has achieved a prestigious Level 3 Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) designation, recognizing its commitment to providing the highest standard of care for critically ill and premature newborns. This achievement reinforces UT Health Tyler as a leading provider of advanced neonatal care in East Texas.
Level 3 NICUs are equipped to provide comprehensive care to infants at any gestational age or those with critical health conditions requiring specialized medical interventions. The designation means that UT Health Tyler can offer continuous access to a full range of respiratory support, advanced imaging and the latest in neonatal care technologies.
“This designation reflects the dedication and expertise of our entire NICU team. We are committed to providing the best possible outcomes for the most vulnerable newborns and their families,” said Zach Dietze, UT Health Tyler CEO. “With this new designation, we can continue to deliver the specialized care that premature and critically ill infants need.”
The hospital's newly designated Level 3 NICU offers families access to:
- 24/7 care by neonatologists and neonatal nurse practitioners
- Advanced respiratory support, including mechanical ventilation, high-frequency oscillation and nitric oxide
- Advanced diagnostic services such as echocardiograms, MRI and CT scans
- Individualized family-centered care, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and support services like lactation consultants and counseling and spiritual care
- Transport services within the East Texas region
“Achieving Level 3 NICU designation is an important milestone in our hospital’s mission to provide comprehensive care for our community,” said Marcie Tunstall, director of nursing for women’s and children’s services at UT Health Tyler. “It allows us to keep families together, offering specialized care for newborns right here at UT Health Tyler without the need to transfer to larger facilities.”
With this designation, UT Health Tyler continues to play a vital role in providing healthcare to East Texans, ensuring that every newborn receives the care and attention they need for the best possible start in life.
“As a former NICU parent, I can say that being able to stay within the healthcare facility you trust is heartwarming. Having the ability to maintain the relationship you have established with your providers and know that your baby is going to receive the same level of care that you’re accustomed to helps ease the stress of having a baby in the NICU,” said Bonnie Bearden, NICU program manager. “Being able to stay in your healthcare family, getting to know the staff caring for your baby and getting to be involved as early as possible in the care of your infant helps to comfort your mind and heart.”
For more information on the NICU services at UT Health Tyler, visit https://uthealthtylerhospital.com/services/labor-and-delivery or call 903-594-2645.