Level IV Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)

Each year, more than 650 newborns are referred for a higher level of care to the Level IV NICU at Children’s Health because we have the expertise to help treat even the most complex diseases. 

A Level IV NICU is specifically designed to meet the needs of premature and critically-ill newborns. We’re capable of caring for babies born at all gestational ages and with any medical or surgical disease. Our Level IV distinction means we won’t refer your baby to another hospital for care: We have everything newborns need right here. 

From providing respiratory support to surgical procedures, renowned neonatologists, surgeons and pediatric sub-specialists from UT Southwestern can care for any and all neonatal health issues. But it’s not just top doctors who care for your baby. Nurses, nurse practitioners, respiratory therapists, pharmacists, dietitians, social workers, child life specialists and therapists make sure you and your family have the support to help your baby get healthy and strong.

Nationally recognized and charting the course for other NICUs

U.S. News & World Report ranks Children’s Health among the nation's top programs in neonatology. This ranking reflects how we use the latest, most innovative treatments to help babies grow up strong. 
 
We are the only NICU in North Texas designated by OptumHealth™ as a Neonatal Center of Excellence. We achieved this distinction because we provide the best possible care for a broad range of health issues, with an emphasis on preventing avoidable complications.
 
As a member of the Children’s Hospital Neonatal Consortium, we work with other top-ranked NICUs to improve quality and safety at NICUs across the country. We’re also proud to serve as a regional referral center for other NICUs who send babies to us from across North Texas and beyond.

Featuring a soothing, healing environment

Our NICU recently expanded to include state-of-the-art equipment and upgraded amenities for your family. For instance, we keep your baby comfortable and secure by carefully controlling exposure to light, sound and physical contact.
 
Through bonding activities and informational sessions, you’ll learn more about the condition affecting your baby, find ways to become involved in your baby’s care and meet families going through NICU journeys of their own.

Leaders in telemedicine services

We were the first NICU in Texas to offer telemedicine services through the TeleNICU Program. Here’s how it works: Let’s say you live in Tyler, but don’t want to uproot your whole family to come to Dallas for a second opinion. Our team will connect with your doctor through a high definition video and audio connection, evaluate your baby and help them decide what to do next.
 
Our TeleNICU program brings families across Texas peace of mind, knowing they can stay within the comfort of their own home and support system, but still receive our expert-level care. In fact, half of all of the cases that we provide consults on by TeleNICU stay at the home hospital. 

Follow-up care when you need it

You’ll breathe a sigh of relief once your baby “graduates” from the NICU, but you might be worried about what to do next. That’s why we’ll go out of our way to answer your questions before you go home. We’ll also coach you to handle your baby’s ongoing medical needs.

If your baby requires follow-up care, our Thrive Program monitors infants to the age of 5 years old to make sure they’re on track to achieve developmental milestones for things like motor skills, cognition, speech and physical growth.

Resources

• Welcome Guide

• Support Staff

• NICU Room

• Parenting in the NICU

• Breastfeeding

• NICU Terms to Know

In the News

• Nationally recognized NICU program

• Trauma of NICU can follow parents home