Abstract
Reorganisation of perinatal medicine and increasing neonatal fellowship programs have decreased the role of the general pediatrician in the care of the sick newborn. The majority of deliveries still occur in community hospitals and the transfer of infants to regional centers increases morbidity and places a burden on family visitation. The pediatrician who cares for the sick neonate has become an “endangered species”. Six pediatricians are working in a recently established “private neonatal ICU”. Ancillary services were trained and pediatric sub-specialists were added to the medical staffing. From Nov. 1972 - Nov. 1976, 835 infants were admitted to the ICU. 453 were inborn and 382 were transferred from other institutions. The neonatal mortality rate was aa fellows: 1973 - 8.5; 1974 - 7.8; 1975 - 4.0; 1976 - 5.8. The pediatricians were able to maintain full practice and staff the ICU. Community support for the unit was overwhelming and included donations, educational tours and volunteer services. This experience demonstrates that the pediatrician can continue to care for acutely ill neonates and if interested can develop and maintain neonatal intensive cere center.
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Martin, G., Shapiro, S., Ireland, W. et al. THE PRIVATE PEDIATRICIAN AND NEONATAL INTENSIVE CARE. Pediatr Res 11, 538 (1977). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197704000-01008
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197704000-01008