Proposed four-bed Level II NICU would help more families receive specialized care closer to home
The Georgia Department of Community Health recently issued AdventHealth Gordon a Certificate of Need to establish a four-bed Level II Neonatal Intensive Care Unit within the hospital’s existing Women’s Services Area. That decision is now subject to appeals initiated by Atrium Health Floyd Medical Center and Vitruvian Health Hamilton Medical Center and will proceed through the state’s established review process.
“Families in Gordon County should not have to travel to another county for this level of newborn care,” said Justin Birmele, president and CEO of AdventHealth Gordon and AdventHealth Murray. “We are disappointed that two health systems based outside our community are challenging the state’s decision, but our focus remains on the mothers and babies we serve.”
While the review process continues, and ultimately delays the timing of the project, AdventHealth Gordon remains focused on the reason it pursued the project: helping more families in Gordon County and across Northwest Georgia access specialized newborn care closer to home.
“Our commitment to mothers, babies and families has not changed,” said Birmele. “When a newborn needs additional medical support, access to the right care close to the mother and family can make a meaningful difference. We respect the state’s review process and remain focused on the long-term needs of the communities we serve.”
If ultimately implemented, the proposed Level II NICU would allow clinically appropriate newborns who require additional medical support after birth to receive specialized care at AdventHealth Gordon. The unit would also support parental involvement, bonding, breastfeeding support, education and coordinated discharge planning. Newborns requiring a higher level of care would continue to be transferred when clinically appropriate and safe.
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