Department of Neonatology
Started in 2018
Services
The Department of Neonatology established in July 2018, started a super-specialty program in Neonatology (DM neonatology with 3 candidates per year). The Department is involved in clinical, research, and teaching work.
The department has a 13-bedded neonatal intensive care unit, 10-bedded intermediate care nursery, 3-bedded CLR and 10-bedded neonatal emergency. The department provides state-of-the-art clinical care including advanced neonatal ventilation, therapeutic hypothermia, functional echocardiography, cerebral function monitoring, neurosonography, intensive phototherapy, exchange transfusion, and kangaroo mother care. The department has an in-house human milk bank with facilities for pasteurization and long-term storage of the donated human milk.
Annually, the department caters to about 6000-7000 livebirths majority of which are high-risk obstetric referrals. In addition, the department also takes care of sick and preterm neonates referred to the hospital for specialized care. The department runs a neonatal follow-up clinic for high-risk neonates. In collaboration with the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Genetic center, the department provides perinatal counseling for high-risk fetuses. Universal newborn screening is done to screen for common inborn errors of metabolism.
The Department of Neonatology has a super-specialty program in Neonatology (DM neonatology with 3 candidates per year). In addition, the department provides in-service training to pediatricians and nurses in collaboration with state governments.
The department runs a robust research program with many funded and collaborative research projects. Over the last 5 years, the department has received research grants amounting close to Rs. 2 Crores.
Department created a separate NICU, Stepdown area to manage neonates born to Covid positive mothers or neonates who are Covid positive. All mothers were provided with clear pictorial instructions of managing personal hygiene and care of the baby.
OPD Services :
Department is running regular telemedicine OPD services since March 2020 on scheduled timings (930 am to 1 pm) through a designated call phone that is updated on GMCH website. High risk neonates are followed regularly through this service and follow up ROP screening is done by calling them to the department in collaboration with ophthalmology department. In order to motivate COVID -19 positive mothers for breastfeeding and understanding medical issues of their neonates, a regular follow up call system has been established for them.
Research and Training :
- Department trained 25 nursing staff in quality improvement (under one day workshop).
- Dr Deepak Chawla was one of the editors in framing Evidence based Clinical Practice Guidelines in neonatology under the aegis of National Neonatology Forum of India.
- Dr Deepak Chawla is a member of core group ICMR about the guidelines for testing Covid 19 infected pregnant women and neonates.
- The department was awarded the best research department award for the year 2018-2019.
Departmental Academic activities :
- The Department of Neonatology started a super-specialty program in Neonatology (DM neonatology with 3 candidates per year).
- Simulation-based NRP training of DM residents started in the year 2019.
- Weekly web-based journal club discussion for residents
- Regular Quality improvement sessions with residents for improving neonatal services