ACH takes over St. Joe's pediatric unit

WARREN — Akron Children’s Hospital has taken over operation of the pediatric unit at Mercy St. Joseph Warren Hospital per an agreement between the hospitals signed last spring.

Part of the agreement is for Akron Children’s to operate a new six-bed Level II special care nursery, scheduled to open later this year.

This type of nursery is able to care for babies born up to 8 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, hospital officials said.

“We are working hard to bring together the best of both organizations and to integrate quality monitoring and performance improvement programs to enhance the care of our young patients,” said Dr. Elena Rossi, neonatologist and associate chair of pediatrics for Akron Children’s Hospital Mahoning Valley.