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Working closely with the mother's physician, and through the management of maternal risk factors, the need for NICU admissions is reduced. "Additionally," continues Dr. Wolfe, "board-certified neonatologists and neonatal nurse practitioners are on duty 24 hours a day to attend to high-risk deliveries and to treat health problems that can occur after birth." This spirit of collaboration extends beyond the Via Christi system, with the team working with outside physicians to provide care for critically ill and at-risk infants. "We regularly work with physicians outside of Via Christi and enjoy the benefi ts that this brings the community, as well as the enriching professional fellowship it provides," Dr. Wolfe adds. Frontlines of Neonatal Care The Via Christi NICU provides quick access to a sophisticated healing environ- ment for premature, low-birth-weight and other fragile newborns. "The nursery is equipped with all the latest and most advanced equipment available, as well as specially trained staff to provide the highest level of care to the most critically ill infants, 24 hours a day," comments Mohammed Ansari, M.D., M.P.H., FAAP, Medical Director of Neonatal Services. The hospital has long demonstrated the highest standards of care and a progressive attitude in bringing cutting- edge technologies and techniques to area patients. In 1995, Via Christi was the fi rst to introduce the use of high-frequency ventilators to the area and is the only NICU in the area to offer critical services such as inhaled nitric oxide therapy to treat hypoxic respiratory failure. "We are able to treat most babies, and surgical procedures are conducted in the unit's own surgical suite, reducing the need to move fragile infants," Dr. Ansari says. "This is a tremendous advantage to the infant as, when they go to the regular OR, the variation in temperature is very diffi cult for the baby, making recovery troublesome." Michael Wolfe, M.D., MFM with Via Christi Clinic, confers with Philippe Samson, M.D., Neonatologist. Via Christi Hospital on East Harry, Wichita Additionally, the availability of the unit's surgical suite means no delay in care. "Having a surgical suite within the NICU is fairly unusual and gives us an exceptional advantage in treating without delays. It also gives vulnerable infants the advantage of having fewer transports," Dr. Ansari says. Reaching Higher Via Christi Health is dedicated to working closely with the community and a network of health care professionals to maintain a spirit of meeting challenges and attaining new heights of health care excellence. Practices and therapies are regularly reviewed and updated to maintain the strict standards of advanced care. "This diligence has allowed us better outcomes. According to the Vermont Oxford Network, the Via Christi infant mortality rates have been signifi cantly lower than national levels. Additionally, Via Christi survival rates with morbidities MDNEWS.COM n MD NEWS Greater Kansas | 7