The heart of Sutter Health beats in the thousands of tiny infants who have populated our neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) since its inception in 1982. The NICU, also called the Special Care Nursery, provides critical care sometimes needed in the first hours of life to ensure babies grow into strong and healthy children.

Doctors and families from more than 48 hospitals in 23 counties turn to Children's Center at Sutter Medical Center, Sacramento for the most advanced care available for babies born prematurely or who require special medical attention. Approved as a Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) by the California Children's Services (CCS), the 55-bed nursery is supported by eight board-certified neonatologists, more than 75 neonatal and pediatric subspecialists and more than 150 nurses, many of whom are certified in Advanced Life Support. Additional support is provided by Child Life staff who help take care of the emotional needs of families and patients, and by specially trained respiratory care practitioners, technicians, discharge planners and physical and occupational therapists, who help extend care beyond the hospital walls. Together, the team delivers the highest standard of care available to our smallest patients.

The NICU is proud of a higher-than-expected survival rate for newborns, made possible in part by sophisticated equipment that includes extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) and inhaled nitric oxide therapies. The 24-hour facility encourages families to visit as much as possible and take an active role in the baby's care.

Families whose children have received care in the nursery hold fond memories of the dedication of the staff that provide care. The staff develops equally strong bonds to the babies and families with whom they share this special, but difficult, life experience. Each year, the reunion of graduates from the nursery gathers staff and families back together to celebrate life.

Our neonatology specialists are:

• Stephen Butler, MD
• Chiwan Kim, MD
• Cindy Korte, MD
• Arthur Lyons, MD
• Erlinda Manalo, M.D
• J. Fernando Rosas, MD
• Gustavo Sosa, MD
• Andrew Wertz, MD

To find out more about premature infants, please visit our health information section.