CHI Health Good Samaritan Expands NICU Capabilities, Keeping Families Close to Home
KEARNEY, Nebraska – CHI Health Good Samaritan is proud to announce a significant expansion of its Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) capabilities, becoming the first hospital in the region to offer Advanced Level II NICU services, effective June 1. This enhancement allows Good Samaritan to expertly care for premature infants beginning at 30 weeks gestation, right here in Kearney.
Previously, babies born before 32 weeks gestation required long-distance transfer to larger cities like Lincoln or Omaha. The new strategic investment and specialized collaborative team are designed to keep families and their newborns closer to home during a critical time.
“The level of care we provide in our NICU is a testament to the power of collaboration,” says Anne Kraus, director of the Maternity Center at Good Samaritan. “We work closely with specialists from various fields, and we're constantly learning and growing through advanced training opportunities. But it's not just about what happens within these walls; it's about our commitment to keeping families close to home. By providing exceptional care locally, we minimize the burden on families and allow them to focus on what matters most: bonding with their baby.”
Under the new model of care, Good Samaritan’s 24/7 onsite neonatal nurse practitioners are supported by CHI Health St. Elizabeth neonatologists via telemedicine. At 32 weeks gestation, NICU care for these vulnerable infants will then be transitioned to local pediatricians, ensuring continuity of care.
A critical component of the enhanced care is the availability of Retinopathy of Prematurity exams. Standard for infants born at 31 weeks or less, the exam identifies abnormal blood vessel growth in the retina, which can lead to vision loss if left untreated.
The Good Samaritan Foundation recently invested more than $69,000 in advanced retinal imaging equipment. The specialized camera enables the hospital’s NICU team to capture detailed images of the infant’s retinas, allowing for early detection and treatment.
“Our board of directors understand philanthropic giving; providing compassion and commitment to our tiniest patients and their families to keep them close to home,” says Cindi Richter, Director of the Good Samaritan Foundation. “This investment makes a profound difference in the lives of so many with a lasting impact on the health and well-being of countless newborns in our region.”
About CHI Health Good Samaritan: CHI Health Good Samaritan is a regional health center providing comprehensive medical services to Kearney and surrounding communities. As part of CommonSpirit Health, CHI Health Good Samaritan is committed to providing compassionate, high-quality care to all.
About the Good Samaritan Foundation: The Good Samaritan Foundation supports CHI Health Good Samaritan through philanthropic giving, enabling the hospital to provide exceptional care and enhance the health and well-being of the community.