CLI N I CAL CARE AN D CO M PASSI O N I N TH E N I CU
Marian Regional Medical Center’s Newborn Intensive Care Unit team encompasses a multidisciplinary approach, ranging from expert clinical staff and pharmacy technicians to social workers and volunteers. All team members have one goal in mind: to ensure each infant's family is part of the team.
When a critically-ill or premature infant is born, time and communication are on the line.
the decisions. Instead, we want the family to be a part of the decision making,” says Luis F. Ochoa-Pelaez, MD, Medical Director of Marian’s Neonatal ICU.
Fortunately for those on the Central Coast, Marian Regional Medical Center’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) team is both highly qualified and responsive. As a robust NICU, Marian is committed to caring for infants throughout the region—from the Gaviota Tunnel up to Templeton and beyond. Marian staff stands ready to receive or transport critically-ill infants to the 21-bed unit. Caring for fragile infants poses a unique set of challenges; however, at Marian, the NICU team provides care in a healing, supportive environment. In addition to offering the latest treatments using advanced medical technology, including sophisticated monitoring, and ventilation methods, the staff integrates the needs of the patient and family into the care process.
Marian’s team approach: Reena’s Story Providing care is not a top-down medical approach, with the clinicians offering the final say in treatment. Instead, Marian ensures that families have a significant voice in the decision making process. “The way we operate is a multidisciplinary approach. It’s run as a team, where it is not just the nurses and physicians making all of
Marian nurse Ricel Torres is pictured with her husband Raymond and their daughter Reena as they prepare to leave the NICU.
For the clinical team, it’s important to include everyone, and the patients notice the difference.
Recent NICU mother Ricel Joyce Torres was overwhelmed following the birth of her daughter Reena who was diagnosed with a rare skin disorder. As Torres recounted, “Even though what happened to my daughter was shocking, I was impressed with Marian’s NICU. Every day I was there, the team monitored our case. Additionally, even occupational therapists, case managers, a clinical research nurse, and nutritionists all were an integral part of our care.” As a nurse at Marian Regional Medical Center, Torres is uniquely situated to notice the level of care received. For this nurse, her mind and heart were at peace due to care provided by the clinical and support staff.
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