NICU first in nation to win designation

DENVER (April 30, 2006) The Children’s Hospital’s NICU is the first in the nation to be named a Center of Excellence for Neonatal Services by United Resource Networks (URN).

URN, a sister company to United Healthcare, is developing Centers of Excellence networks for neonatal care across the U.S. The organization has successfully developed similar networks for a variety of specialties, including transplants, cancer, infertility and congenital heart disease.

After a rigorous evaluation process, Children’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) was selected as a Center of Excellence for demonstrating extraordinary clinical proficiency in the care of newborns. The award was based on several quality indicators, including program experience, clinical outcomes, pediatric surgical capabilities and the hospital’s ability to demonstrate a commitment to ongoing clinical quality initiatives.

“This award will increase the recognition and prestige for our program,” said Lynn Cavaliero, clinical director of the NICU. “Patients and their care managers can be assured that Children’s center was chosen for exceeding the best performance standards, and for our proven track record with expertise and outcomes.”

URN reviewed a number of the NICU’s programs and services, including the expertise and training of neonatologists and other clinical staff and the ability to provide complex state-of-the-art management such as nitric oxide, ECMO and high-frequency ventilation. The group also based the award on the NICU’s clinical management and support for family members and caregivers, the unit’s innovative clinical programs and services unique to neonatal care, the follow-up programs for high-risk patients and families, and clinical research and quality initiatives.

The United Resource Network’s goal in designating centers of excellence is to ensure that patients and their case managers choose Centers of Excellence, considered to be the gold standard in complex healthcare.