South Fulton Medical Center has opened a new Level III NICU as part of Mother/Baby Services. The new Level III NICU treats premature infants and full-term newborns with infections, birth defects, breathing difficulties, growth restrictions and other health problems.

“The South Fulton Medical Center Level III NICU can comfortably take care of babies born as early as 24 weeks of gestation,” says Babatunde I. Onasanya, M.D., medical director for the South Fulton Medical Center NICU. “While we usually think of premature babies when talking about the high level of care a Level III NICU provides, that is not always the case. Even seemingly healthy infants can develop infections, experience breathing problems or exhibit other symptoms that require around-the-clock monitoring. South Fulton Medical Center already had a Level II NICU, and now can treat babies who require a Level III standard of care as well.”

The Level III NICU is staffed by highly trained, compassionate caregivers who include board certified, fellowship-trained neonatologist, physician assistants, neonatal nurse practitioners, registered nurses, lactation consultants, respiratory therapists, social workers and technicians. Our NICU staff provides specialized treatment in a family centered care environment, with an open visitation policy to encourage and support parent’s involvement in the care of their baby.

“About 10 to 15 percent of babies born in the United States each year are treated in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU),” says Onasanya. "If a problem does arise with a newborn, our staff is prepared to put into motion a care plan to get the baby healthy, and home as soon as possible.”

South Fulton Medical Center was granted a Certificate of Need (CON) from the Sate of Georgia to move forward with the Level III NICU. “We felt that our community required the high level of care that a Level III NICU provides, therefore we moved forward to ask for the state’s approval to build such a program,” says James Clements, chief executive officer at South Fulton Medical Center. “Our community deserves the highest level of care and we want to ensure that we have the programs and services to meet those needs.”

For more information on the Level III NICU, or for a physician referral, please call 404.466.WELL or visit southfultonmedicalcenter.com.