The message below was first sent as a press release on December 9, 2022.
Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital is pleased to announce the achievement of a Neonatal Level III designation of their Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).
Designation levels are awarded by the State of Texas to hospitals that provide neonatal and maternal care. Hospitals are required to validate their level of care through a survey process every three years to ensure the best care is provided.
“We are incredibly proud of this designation and the ability to give this high-quality care to our babies and their families,” said Theresa Walters, RN, MSN, RNC-NIC, NICU manager. “This allows some of the sickest patients to stay in their own community, which takes some burden off of new parents who already have plenty on their minds.”
According to the state, a hospital that earns Neonatal Level III designation provides care for mothers and comprehensive care for infants of all ages with mild to critical illness or those on life support; offers consultation with pediatric medical and surgical specialists that can perform major surgery, whether on-site or at an appropriate facility; has skilled medical staff and personnel that are specially trained and competent in caring for this vulnerable patient population; assists in transports, and provides educational outreach to lower level designated facilities.
“This Level III designation is a public acknowledgment of our core values at Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital – our dedication to quality and safety enables us to provide excellent patient care,” said Cristina Martin, MSN, RN, RNC-NIC, Childbirth Center Director. “We are thrilled to be able to meet the growing needs of our tiniest patients and their families in Fort Bend and surrounding areas.”
Houston Methodist Childbirth Center at Sugar Land is the first NICU in Fort Bend County to be designated at a NICU Level III.
“Mothers have trusted Houston Methodist Sugar Land with the distinct pleasure of delivering their babies since we opened our doors in 1998,” said Chris Siebenaler, CEO and Regional Senior Vice President for Houston Methodist Sugar Land. “Providing the highest-quality neonatal intensive care is a testament to our dedication to meeting the needs of moms and babies who have unique care journeys.
For more information about Houston Methodist Childbirth Center at Sugar Land, visit houstonmethodist.org/childbirth-sl or call 281.274.7080.
Michelle Smith says
Congratulations to Cristina Martin, Theresa Walters, Dr. Dasnadi and the NICU Staff for this great accomplishment and to all the Childbirth Staff that assisted in the work to get us there! I am super proud to be a part of this team and this hospital!