MESSINA (ITALPRESS) – The Complex Operating Units of Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and Obstetrics and Gynecology of the “Barone Romeo” Hospital in Patti, represent an exceptional Maternal and Child Center of reference for newborns with pathologies along the Tyrrhenian strip from Messina to Palermo. They are in fact, able to manage high-risk pregnancies, providing specialized care in an area with complex orographic characteristics. The NICU directed by Dr. Caterina Cacace is now recognized as a reference of regional excellence. Among the numerous awards received, the “Buonasanità” in 2015 for the neonatal transport service stands out, and in 2022 an award thanks precisely to the synergy with the Obstetrics and Gynecology Unit. The latter, directed by Dr. Lili Maria Klein, also represents healthcare excellence for the high standards guaranteed. It has been the 2nd Birth Point in the province of Messina for years. In the past 10 years, 10,000 babies have been born at the Birth Point, including numerous twin deliveries, several triplet deliveries and a very rare case of quadrigeminal birth. Couples are offered the possibility of their partner’s participation in labor and delivery. Immediately after birth, new parents and newborn babies spend several hours together in the rooms dedicated to “Bonding” (a process that facilitates bonding between parents and child, fostered by early and continuous contact). During the hours dedicated to Bonding only the midwife is allowed, in order to carry out the checks due to the postpartum mothers. Midwives hold classes on accompanying childbirth, neonatal massage classes and a breastfeeding clinic. A Baby Pit Stop (dedicated breastfeeding room) has also been established. In fact, it is offered, possibility for patients residing in the Aeolian Islands or other territorially disadvantaged locations, to be able to stay in some rooms dedicated to them, during the entire pregnancy. The UOC of Gynecology and Obstetrics also offers a prevention and diagnosis service (outpatient clinics dedicated to women’s diseases). It collaborates with the Screening Center for the prevention and diagnosis of Cervicocarcinoma by taking care of the Level II pathway. At the OU hundreds of gynecological surgeries are performed every year, offering treatment of female pathologies. Since 2016, the P.O. of Patti has also been ‘Hospital Bollino Rosà a recognition for services dedicated to diagnosis prevention and treatment of female pathologies. Refresher and training courses for Medical and Nursing Staff are regularly organized. Many premature babies are born at the NICU, thanks to the presence of a highly qualified Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. The NICU has 10 beds, 4 of which are dedicated to the critical care area with intensive care needs, and 6 for the care of newborns with moderate conditions. They are equipped with thermoculks, mechanical ventilators for invasive (conventional and high-frequency oscillometric) and noninvasive ventilatory care. There is an apparatus for the delivery of inhaled nitric oxide for the treatment of diseases characterized by refractory hypoxemia. In addition, the Unit has an apparatus for cerebral cooling in cases of asphyxia and equipment for brain function monitoring (Cerebral Function Monitoring and EEG), cardiomonitor, state-of-the-art phototherapy lamps, and a “point of care” room for blood tests with micromethods. Neonatal resuscitation beds are located in the delivery room and operating room, all of which are equipped with the latest instrumentation for neonatal resuscitation. Admission is directly from the delivery room or the OB/GYN operating complex, or by transfer from other hospitals through activation of the Neonatal Emergency Transport System. In fact, the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in Patti has been identified by the Sicilian Region as a reference center within the Neonatal Emergency Transport System (STEN). For years it has also taken charge of the transport of cardiopathic newborns from the Palermo basin to the CCPM in Taormina. The facility has been included by the Ministries of Health and Economy and the Sicilian Region in a 1.3 million euro funding program for new structural and technological modernization. In addition, very important is the collaboration with other institutions, in fact the team provides assistance and personalized care to mother and child with the aim of promoting psychophysical well-being also making use of the valuable support of a psychologist and volunteers from the association ‘Remì Onlus’. The latter is a component of the national association for premature babies ‘Vivere Onlus’ was founded in 2007 thanks to the initiative of some parents and NICU health workers, with the aim of supporting and sustaining families in difficulty and health workers. Over the years, the association has donated numerous electromedical equipment to the department, contributed to the creation of the playroom and the room designated for breastfeeding. Each year it promotes World Prematurity Day through initiatives that have been applauded by the Italian Society of Neonatology and patients and have received national recognition for participation in various competitions. The care of young patients does not end at the time of discharge, but continues thanks to the multi-specialty outpatient follow-up service both medical (Neonatologist-Child Neuropsychiatrist-Physiatrist-Psychomotricist-Ophthalmologist) and instrumental. This activity takes place within the facility in a dedicated environment and with qualified nursing staff, in order to ensure protected and personalized care pathways also through the involvement of the family. The early recognition of auxological problems, short- and long-term neurosensory or behavioral sequelae is an essential goal of follow-up, in order to be able to refer the child to the necessary treatment or rehabilitation paths. Attached to the facility is the outpatient neonatal ultrasound clinic (hip, kidney, encephalon, and heart), which provides services under conventional arrangements. Asp Director General Giuseppe Cuccì applauded the achievements of both units, noting that “the work done by the NICU and the Obstetrics and Gynecology Unit is a testament to our commitment to providing the highest level of care for newborns and their families. These departments not only save lives but also provide vital support to families during delicate moments. Their excellence is a source of pride for our entire company.”-Photo Asp Messina press office-(ITALPRESS).
