The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at St. Christopher's Hospital for Children is a 30-bed full-service facility that provides individualized care for the complex needs of each neonate. Each year, more than 300 infants are referred to the Unit from throughout the Delaware Valley area.

The Unit is staffed by a team of neonatologists, neonatal-perinatal fellows, pediatric residents, and specially trained registered nurses who care for infants with a multitude of medical or surgical complications. Some of the therapies used in the Unit include extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) and high-frequency jet ventialtion. Medical care in the Unit is enhanced by the accessibility of St. Christopher's pediatric subspecialists, including pediatric neurologists, and pediatric cardiologists.

Since the NICU staff is also very responsive to the emotional needs of the parents, they provide support, counseling, and education. A social worker provides support in negotiating the hospital system, accessing appropriate community resources, and coping with the stress of their child's hospitalization.

Parents are encouraged to visit at any time. Overnight accommodations can be arranged at the hospital. Condition updates on patients may be obtained 24 hours a day by contacting the Unit.

Maria Delivoria-Papadopoulos, MD
Chief, Section of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine
Office: 215-427-5202
NICU: 215-427-5151