News Release

Media Contacts: Jeremy Brewer (805) 955-7081

or

Alicia Gonzalez (818) 409-6604

SIMI VALLEY - August 8, 2008 - Women who deliver at Simi Valley Hospital now have the added comfort and assurance of a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), which provides specialized care for babies born prematurely or with special medical needs.

Alvin Miller, MD, a board-certified pediatrician and neo-natologist, is the NICU's medical director, providing leadership over 10 board-certified pediatricians, who will also provide physician coverage for the new service.

"In addition to babies born prematurely, the NICU will care for babies following a C-section delivery and those who have respiratory challenges, jaundice or sepsis," Miller said. "The NICU is a shiny new penny with the latest state-of-the-art equipment."

The NICU nursing staff provide one-to-one or two-to-one nursing care in the eight-bed unit, which is outfitted with the newest infant environmental systems and other lifesaving equipment. All nursing care is performed by specially trained and certified RNs.

A Brand New Department

Along with the new NICU, Women's and Children's Services has the finest of accommodations for moms-to-be on the third floor of the new Patient Care Tower.

Each labor/delivery/recovery room features custom-made wood cabinets over the bed, a sleeper chair for dad or another loved one to spend the night, and large windows that provide natural lighting to assist mom with the recovery process.

"The maternity rooms are designed to maximize the comfort and safety of moms and babies," said Pam Andreasen, Women's and Children's director. "The labor/ delivery/ recovery rooms are very spacious, and they are decorated in soothing earth tones and adorned with beautiful artwork. Why would anyone drive out of Simi Valley to have their baby when they have this wonderful new facility right here in their own backyard?"

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