Member for Penrith, Stuart Ayres MP, today joined Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) staff to celebrate the announcement of a new neonatal cot for Nepean Hospital.
“This is wonderful news for our community and Nepean Hospital. It continues to build on the major investment in local health services made since the election of the O’Farrell Government” said Mr Ayres.
Nepean Hospital boasts one of the most active perinatal units in Australia. Its NICU manages 850 admissions annually and caters for deliveries at Nepean Hospital (approx.3,800 annually) and the Sydney catchment area as well as transfers from throughout NSW.
The announcement of the $465k neonatal cot – an 11th cot for the unit – will help to meet the increased demand for NICU services at Nepean Hospital and allow more premature babies to be cared for locally, preventing parents from having to travel to visit their baby.
Staff Neonatologist at Nepean NICU Dr Vijay Shingde says approximately 30% of babies born are born prematurely at less than 34 weeks gestation.
“Nepean Hospital recently welcomed premature triplets, delivered at 27 weeks gestation, who were able to remain at Nepean Hospital’s NICU for their care thanks to this additional cot,” Dr Shingde said.
“The services and facilities at Nepean Hospital are continually expanding to cater locally for the diverse health need of the community” said Mr Ayres
