Southern Tennessee Regional Health System Announces Partnership with Erlanger to Bring 24/7 Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Coverage to its Childbirth Center
September 23, 2020
Southern Tennessee Regional Health System-Winchester/Sewanee (STRHS) is teaming up with Erlanger Health System to bring 24-hour in-house neonatal nurse practitioner (NNP) coverage to its Childbirth Center later this fall. Neonatology is a pediatric subspecialty that consists of the medical care of newborn infants, especially the ill or premature newborn infant. NNPs are Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRN) educated at the graduate or doctoral level and are nationally board-certified to care for high-risk neonates across the continuum of care, from preterm and term birth to the age of 2 years. In a hospital setting, once a newborn requires emergency care due to any mild or severe health condition, a neonatal nurse practitioner (NNP) tends to the newborn around the clock. According to the National Association of Neonatal Nurses (NANN), NNPs are recognized as leaders, clinical experts, and advocates for newborns and their families, guiding parents on coping with the stress that comes with neonatal care. Erlanger Neonatology Medical Director, Dr. Anuj Sinha will supervise the program.
“This partnership with Erlanger to bring NNP coverage to our Childbirth Center continues our long-term commitment to delivering high-quality care close to home,” says Cliff Wilson, CEO of Southern Tennessee Regional Health System-Winchester/Sewanee. “Because of the in-house NNP coverage, STRHS will be able to keep mothers and babies together in situations that otherwise may have caused the infant to be transported to another facility, all while maintaining the safety of mother and baby.”
Dr. Scott Holder, Chair of OB/Peds Committee at STRHS, explains, “When parents are deciding on where to deliver their baby, they often look for hospitals with a neonatal intensive care unit or NICU. Because STRHS will be providing around-the-clock NNP coverage, in addition to continued coverage from our team of OB/GYNs and pediatricians, it can ease parents' anxiety to know that in case of complications, their infant will have immediate medical care from our specially trained team of providers.”
To learn more about The Childbirth Center at Southern Tennessee Regional Health System in Winchester, visit SouthernTnWinchester.com or call 931-967-8251.