UCSD Medical Center has expanded its intensive care unit that cares for premature babies and other newborns. The expansion is part of a regional trend. KPBS reporter Kenny Goldberg has more.
The number of babies born prematurely continues to rise in San Diego. In response, Rady Children's Hospital and Palomar Medical Center will soon be expanding their neonatal intensive care unit. UCSD has just added nine beds to its unit. Dr. Thomas Moore chairs UCSD's department of reproductive medicine. He says the new beds are state-of-the art.
Dr. Thomas Moore: And in particular not only technology, it's very family-friendly. Families with babies that are here for long periods of time can spend the night next to their newborn, get to know their newborn. So I think that's better health care.
UCSD's neonatal intensive care unit treats some 700 babies a year. The expansion will allow the hospital to care for about 200 more. Kenny Goldberg, KPBS News.
