Neonatal Service Levels

• Preterm newborns (32–37 weeks gestational age)
• Low birth weight infants (1500g – <2500g)
• Infants born to diabetic mothers
• Newborns from high-risk pregnancies or complicated deliveries
• Mild to moderate respiratory distress that does not require mechanical ventilation but may need oxygen therapy or NCPAP (Nasal Continuous Positive Airway Pressure)
• Neonatal jaundice requiring phototherapy
• Neonatal sepsis
• Hypothermic newborns

Appropriate Location:
Refer to the standard guidelines for neonatal care unit requirements.

Required Equipment and Supplies:
Refer to the standard guidelines for neonatal care unit requirements.

Staffing:

• One nurse for every 1–3 newborns in Level 2. (These staffing levels are not yet included in the FTE workforce planning guidelines of the Healthcare Authority.)
• Resident physician trained in neonatal care available 24/7.
• Pediatric specialist trained in neonatal care available 24/7.