TULLAHOMA, TN (March 5, 2020) - While many newborns are at home with their parents in a day or two, some babies need a higher level of care. Tennova Healthcare – Harton is pleased to announce that they now offer a Level II Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), which provides specialized care for newborns with a wide variety of health conditions.
Harton’s Level II NICU will provide specialized care for newborns with health conditions such as prematurity, respiratory problems and infections.
Under the directorship of Dr. Hadeer Karmo, who is board-certified in neonatal-prenatal medicine, families in Coffee and surrounding counties will have the option of receiving care close to home for their newborns in need of specialized services. “Our board-certified obstetricians / gynecologists and board-certified pediatricians on Harton’s active medical staff have played a vital role in bringing this endeavor to fruition,” said Rich Ellis, CEO, Tennova Healthcare – Harton.
Wanda Randolph, director, Harton’s Women’s Center, stated, “Our team of dedicated nurses has completed specialized training to allow us to reach this designation.” In addition to the doctors and nurses, the care team includes lactation counselors, respiratory therapists, social workers and registered dietitians working together to help provide babies and families with the attention and support they need.
The Tennova Healthcare – Harton Level II unit, in addition to providing the capabilities of a Level I unit, provides delivery and care for infants at 32 weeks or more of gestation who weigh more than or equal to 1,500 grams. These infants may have conditions such as respiratory problems after delivery, apnea of prematurity, inability to maintain body temperature or inability to take food by mouth. Infants delivered earlier than 32 weeks or who weigh less than 1,500 grams are stabilized and transported to a Level III or Level IV NICU facility.
Tennova Healthcare – Harton provides the only Level II Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in Coffee, Franklin, Lincoln, and Bedford counties.