NEONATAL ABSTINENCE SYNDROME (NAS) UNIT

The Thomas Health Foundation raised over $250,000 in 2019 to fund the Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) Special Care Unit at Thomas Memorial Hospital.

The NAS Special Care Unit, the first of its kind in our region, serves as a sensitive and therapeutic environment, specifically designed for the appropriate care of the NAS population babies and their families through BabySteps: Sensitive Treatment, Education and Parental Support. This unit relieves the Neonatal ICU unit of overcrowding and offers:

• Specialized nursing care specific for the NAS population, including ongoing standardized assessments, appropriate therapeutic holding techniques with the infants, cluster care and minimal stimulation.
• Physician-directed nutrition, individualized care and pharmacological therapy for the treatment of NAS symptoms.
• Educational opportunities for the infants’ parents/caregivers, including the successful Pregnancy Connections program which follows recovering mothers for two years as they learn life skills that will enhance their ability to provide maternal care.
• Consultation of Social Services, Physical Therapy, or other services/specialties for ongoing support, resources, teaching, referrals and discharge planning.

This Special Care Unit provides the opportunity for Thomas Health’s specially trained healthcare staff to provide much-needed care for some of the most vulnerable patients that visit the hospital. Thanks to generous donations, these children will get the best chance for a healthy start.