NICU celebrates 1st anniversary with 2012's first babies

Tony and Berna Gerard of Vienna, Ill., chose Baptist Health Paducah for the birth of their twin sons because it was close to relatives. It proved to be the best choice when the boys came seven weeks early and benefited from the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

“It was the best decision we could have made,” Berna said. “Everybody was so great. It’s like family the way everyone takes care of each other.”

The twins, Aldi and Vodra, were born on Jan. 1, becoming the first babies in the region born in 2012.

Since the area’s first NICU opened at Baptist Health Paducah a year ago, more than 180 babies and families have been able to stay close to home for special care.

Neonatologist Edward O’Neill, M.D., said most babies are admitted to the NICU because of respiratory problems or problems related to their prematurity.

“The clearest benefit for these families and their babies, who once had to be transferred out of this region, is they now can stay close to home,” Dr. O’Neill said. “Being transferred just adds unnecessary stress on the whole family.”

Tony Gerard, a professor at Shawnee Community College in Ullin, Ill., said the NICU and its staff were most impressive.

“I can’t say enough good about the NICU unit,” he said. “Dr. O’Neill came by every day and looked us up to tell us what was going on. It’s one of the best experiences I’ve ever had with a healthcare professional. We think the world of him.”

For more information about the NICU, speak to a Baptist Health Paducah nurse at the StorkLine: (270) 575-BABY.