Annual event brings back NICU "graduates" for emotional reunion
Physicians, staff on hand to greet former patients, families

(DALLAS, August 21, 2003) - More than 500 former patients and their families are expected to attend this year's North Texas Hospital for Children at Medical City Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Reunion on Sunday, Aug. 24 from 1 - 4 p.m. in the Building D Atrium on the Medical City campus.

The children will be treated to clowns, face paintings, photos, giveaways and loads of refreshments. In addition, from 1:30 - 2:30, Chef Nick will be serving up equal portions of humor, comedy, education and good food during his "cooking" lessons for youngsters and their parents. From 2:30 - 3:30 p.m., guitarist Jim Newton, a familiar face and sound to NTHC patients, will entertain the group.

While most of the former patients in attendance range in age from 1 to 4, a lot of "older" patients return as well - youngsters who were patients 10 or more years ago.

"It's such a great time," said Kristin Swanson, manager of the NICU and coordinator of the reunion. "Many of the babies were critically ill when they were here, so we always look forward to seeing how they have grown and prospered. Because the newborns may be hospitalized for weeks or even months, by the time they leave, our doctors and staff have formed strong bonds with them and their families. They really become like a second family."

This year, the staff also invited parents of those babies who did not survive, but whose parents forged bonds with the caregivers as they dealt with the loss of a child. "We sent a special invitation to bereaved parents because we want them to know we have not forgotten them or the pain of their loss," Swanson said.

Today, the survival of babies as small as 400-500 grams, or less than two pounds, and as young as 24 or 25 weeks is not unusual, thanks to advances in neonatology.

"The development of artificial surfactant is one of the most important advances in the survival of very premature babies," said neonatologist Dr. Clair Schwendeman, medical director of the NICU. "Surfactant stabilizes the lungs, allows them to expand and prevents them from collapsing." Underdeveloped lungs are the major cause of death in premature babies, he said.

The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit is a Level III unit capable of handling nearly all neonatal conditions. The unit, which can hold up to 50 patients, is staffed by neonatal-trained nurses, neonatologists who specialize in the care of critically ill newborns, a neonatal specialty transport team and an extensive medical staff of pediatric subspecialists.

The NICU was established in 1980, hired its first full-time medical director in 1983 and in 1984 expanded to 25 beds with 24-hour coverage. That year, Medical Family Life Therapist Dr. Elizabeth Purcell-Keith was hired. Today, "Dr. Elizabeth" is still the only such therapist assigned to an NICU in Dallas.

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