Akron Children’s to take over pediatric unit, special care nursery at St. Joseph

Staff report

WARREN

St. Joseph Health Center and Akron Children’s Hospital signed an agreement this week for Akron Children’s to operate the pediatric unit and special care nursery at St. Joseph.

Akron Children’s will begin operating the seven-bed unit and six-bed nursery later this year, according to a press release issued by Akron Children’s Hospital.

“St. Joseph is proud to bring Akron Children’s advanced pediatric and neonatal services to Trumbull County,” said Kathy Cook, president, St. Joseph Health Center. “This relationship will build upon St. Joseph’s strong pediatric program and make it easier for Trumbull County families to access a full range of pediatric services.”

The plan will upgrade the special-care nursery from Level I to Level II to serve higher-acuity babies. A Level II nursery is able to care for babies born up to eight weeks premature — at or greater than 32 weeks gestation — who weigh at least 3 pounds and who are physiologically immature, such as those who have breathing problems or are unable to feed orally.

“Since I have worked closely with the obstetricians and pediatricians for more than 20 years, I am excited to continue the collaboration with St. Joseph Health Center and enhance the care of our young patients closer to home,” said Dr. Elena Rossi, neonatologist and associate chairwoman of pediatrics for Akron Children’s Hospital Mahoning Valley.

Akron Children’s also operates pediatric units at Aultman Hospital in Canton and East Liverpool City Hospital in East Liverpool.