New equipment increases care at PMC NICU

PIKEVILLE, Ky. (WYMT) – Pikeville Medical Center’s ability to care for the most vulnerable patients has now gone portable, with new equipment added to the hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

The hospital recently purchased a NxtGen Transport Incubator, using grant funding from the WHAS Crusade for Children, giving the Level II Advanced NICU everything a neonatal patient needs, “in a box.”

“This is the safest way to move a baby about. And this is care that we can provide for a baby in the NICU that’s all in a box- portable,” said Dr. Myla Santiago, Neonatologist. “So, that’s why we need to have this.”

According to a statement from PMC, the equipment is the first model of its kind in the state, and includes a variety of features to keep babies safe and secure.

Features of the potentially lifesaving transporter include: smart thermoregulation, a heated mattress, extended battery life, the integrated Hamilton neonatal ventilator, a Philips cardiac monitor, temperature regulation, monitoring capabilities, and advanced life support systems.

“This transporter ensures that neonatal patients are in the safest hands when transported to PMC’s NICU,” officials said in a news release.

Healthcare officials said the box is a way to keep babies in a hospital, even if they have to travel, saying the transporter is a portable version of everything the center provides.

“Having advanced medical equipment like the NICU Transporter is crucial in providing the highest level of care for our most vulnerable patients here in Eastern Kentucky. This advanced state-of-the-art transporter allows us to safely transfer newborns who require specialized medical attention, ensuring they receive timely and critical care to and from the hospital,” said Dr. Santiago. “Being the first in the state to acquire this latest edition of the NICU Transporter is a significant step forward for PMC. It reinforces our commitment to delivering world-class healthcare right here at home.”

NICU specialists said the device also keeps babies level and secure when traveling from hospital to hospital, with shock absorption and more in place, making it a perfect tool for the hospital’s care team.

“The arrival of the NICU Transporter is a significant milestone for us,” said Donovan Blackburn, Chairman, President and CEO. “This equipment allows us to provide continuous, specialized care during critical moments of transport and reinforces our commitment to giving every child the best chance at life, no matter how small.”

The tool was showcased during the hospital’s mock Safe Haven Baby Box drill with the Pikeville Fire Department Monday, showing how it could be used to keep surrendered babies safe as they travel from the box to the hospital, and beyond.

“We are deeply grateful to the WHAS Crusade for Children for their support,” said Tondra Polly, Director of Neonatal Services. “This transporter is not just a piece of equipment; it’s a lifeline for our most fragile patients. It ensures that every infant we care for has the best chance to thrive, and we are honored to be able to offer this level of care to our community.”

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