The thought of a child or infant needing emergency medical care can fill any parent with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty. Fortunately, Mediclinic Newcastle’s Paediatric Ward and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) are central to paediatric care in the region, providing parents with the reassurance that their little ones are in expert hands.
Mediclinic Newcastle’s Hospital General Manager, Japie Greyling, explained that infants may be admitted to the NICU for various reasons, including premature birth, complications during delivery, respiratory distress, or congenital abnormalities.
Given these health challenges, he stressed that these newborns require specialised care beyond a standard hospital ward.
The nurses who work in the NICU are known for their exceptional expertise, unique training, and dedication. Greyling emphasised that the nursing staff in the NICU undergo rigorous training in neonatal care, including courses in neonatal resuscitation, critical care, and infant development.
“They work closely with other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive and coordinated care for the newborns. The nursing staff in the NICU are not only skilled in providing medical care, but they are also compassionate and provide emotional support to the families of the infants,” Greyling said.
Moreover, Mediclinic Newcastle is deeply committed to patient welfare, equipping the NICU with state-of-the-art medical technology to ensure the highest level of care for newborns. This includes advanced ventilators, incubators, cardiac monitors, pulse oximeters, IV pumps, and other specialised equipment.
Additionally, Mediclinic Newcastle has established strict protocols and procedures for monitoring and caring for infants in the NICU. The nursing staff follow stringent guidelines for infection control, hand hygiene, and patient safety, to minimise the risk of complications and ensure the best possible outcomes for the newborns under their care. The NICU team works closely with parents and families, offering support, education, and guidance throughout the infant’s stay in the unit. As Greyling noted, “The NICU is not just a place where medical care is provided, it is also a place where families are supported and involved in the care of their newborn.”
Furthermore, the Paediatric Ward at Mediclinic Newcastle also stands out for its exceptional features designed to provide excellent care for young patients. The ward is staffed by highly trained paediatric specialists and nurses who are dedicated to offering compassionate, personalised care. Greyling explained that the ward takes a holistic approach, addressing not only the physical health of its young patients but also their emotional and psychological well-being.
The Paediatric Ward primarily focuses on caring for infants and children, typically from newborns up to 12 years old.
This wide age range allows the ward to address a variety of paediatric health issues, from common childhood illnesses to more complex medical conditions. The ward provides specialised care tailored to the unique needs of each age group, ensuring appropriate neonatal care for infants, while older children benefit from services that cater to their developmental stages. Greyling highlighted that this comprehensive approach ensures effective medical attention for all young patients.
In addition to the above, Greyling also shared that exciting developments are planned for the Mediclinic Newcastle Paediatric Ward, all aimed at enhancing the quality of service and patient experience. He assured that as these developments progress, the Newcastle community will be kept informed.
With Mediclinic Newcastle’s strong focus on providing the best care for the community’s children, Greyling reiterated the importance of the Paediatric and NICU Wards in the region. “Both wards are dedicated to providing the highest quality of care through advanced medical technologies, a compassionate approach, and a highly skilled team of healthcare professionals. The wards not only focus on treating illnesses but also on supporting the overall well-being of young patients and their families. Continuous improvements and upcoming developments ensure that these wards remain at the forefront of paediatric care, making them a crucial resource for the health and future of Newcastle’s children.”
When looking at a few of the comments submitted regarding the two wards and the team running them, parents had the following to say:
“I thank all the staff they are very helpful, made you feel like you home, comfortable very helpful to the children. The doctors are the God sent. Dr Mulalo thank you so much for saving my children may God bless you all “
“All the nurses in the paediatric ward are excellent at what they do and very kind hearted. I never saw one person being mistreated by anyone and everyone was always more than willing to go the extra mile to help with what they can. I am so happy I brought my son here and would like to thank every doctor and nurse who helped my son through this experience wholeheartedly. I am forever grateful.”
“All the paediatric staff members were so nice. Always friendly and helpful and made us feel at home. I was actually sad to leave. The food was delicious, especially the chicken pasta bake.”
“Highly recommended paediatric ward, staff is very caring and accommodating. Doctors are very considerate and explain everything to parents regarding their child’s progress.”
“Thank you very much for all the support, great service, laughs and motivation. Great recommendation for paediatrician, Dr. Nepfumbada.”
Given the vital roles of Mediclinic Newcastle’s Paediatric and NICU wards within the community, we invite you to share your thoughts on the above in the comment section below.
