Rex Women’s Center Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Receives Level IV Designation

RALEIGH, N.C. – UNC REX Healthcare’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) has been granted a Level IV designation, allowing UNC REX’s team of board certified neonatologists, nurses, respiratory therapists, developmental care team and others to care for even more premature and medically fragile babies.

UNC REX’s NICU was previously designated Level III. The higher designation means that the NICU can provide a higher level of inpatient care, closer to home for new babies’ families.

“We are proud to deliver the highest quality, family-centered care to help ensure that our babies thrive after they leave our NICU,” said Dr. Marie Ambroise-Thigpen, medical director of Neonatology at UNC REX. “Our environment promotes and provides optimal healing for the baby and comfort for the family during a potentially stressful time. We strive to provide families peace of mind.”

The 15-bed NICU at the Rex Women’s Center opened in 1973 and cares for hundreds of babies every year, 24 hours a day. UNC REX providers also work closely with specialists at UNC's Newborn Critical Care Center at the North Carolina Children’s Hospital in Chapel Hill to help babies that need even more specialized care or surgery.

A dedicated team of volunteers, including many parent alumni of the Rex NICU, make up a UNC REX Family Advisory Council that offer support to parents experiencing the emotional challenges of having an infant that requires more than routine medical care. In

2014, the Rex Special Care Nursery ranked in the top 10 percent of Special Care Nurseries for parent satisfaction of the quality of care, and this year received a national award for excellence in parent experience.

For more information about the Rex Women’s Center at 4420 Lake Boone Trail, Raleigh, and the maternity services available, visit here.