Baptist Medical Center South’s Wolfson Children’s NICU achieves Level III designation, expanding advanced care for infants in northeast Florida

When babies are born prematurely, having access to an advanced NICU offers families reassurance and specialized care when it matters most. At Baptist Medical Center South, that care is elevated through its connection to Wolfson Children’s Hospital, giving newborns immediate access to trusted pediatric experts. Mothers who deliver at Baptist South can feel confident knowing their local community hospital has earned a Level III NICU designation. This signifies that Baptist South is equipped to provide comprehensive care for medically complex infants born as early as 28 weeks and as small as 1,000 grams (approximately 2.2 lbs.).

What Level III means for families

At the Level III Wolfson Children’s NICU at Baptist South, patients receive care from specially trained nurses as well as board-certified neonatologists and neonatal nurse practitioners with Nemours Children’s Health.

“This designation represents our commitment to providing the highest level of neonatal care close to home for families in our community,” said Baptist South Hospital President Kyle W. Dorsey, FACHE. “Parents facing a premature birth or medically complex delivery can trust that their babies will receive expert, compassionate care right here at Baptist South.” As a Level III NICU, Baptist South provides: • Advanced life support and mechanical ventilation • Immediate access to pediatric subspecialists • Comprehensive diagnostic imaging and lab services • Family-centered care with visitation • Lactation support and parent education

The Wolfson Children’s NICU at Baptist South is designed to support bonding between parents and babies. When parents need to step away for a moment, Baptist South uses technology for parents to view and receive updates about their baby virtually.

A higher level of care when needed

As part of Baptist Health, families also have seamless access to Wolfson Children’s Hospital, home to the region’s only Level IV NICU. This is the highest designation, providing care for the most critically ill newborns, including those requiring complex cardiac surgery and newborns with severe heart or lung failure.

“This continuum of care at Baptist Health means that if a baby needs more intensive services than our Level III NICU can provide, we can quickly and safely transfer them to Wolfson Children’s Hospital,” said Allegra C. Jaros, MBA, president of Wolfson Children’s Hospital. “Our integrated system ensures every baby receives the exact level of care they need, right here in our community.” NICU levels are determined by the Florida Department of Health and accreditation and requirements are guided by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) standards.

For more information about the Wolfson Children’s Level III NICU at Baptist South, visit BaptistJax.com/baby.