1st Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (1st NICU)
The 1st Neonatal Intensive Care Unit was established in 1974 and has operated as an independent department since 1986. It has 15 neonatal intensive care beds, Level III NICU, and 6 beds for newborns requiring high dependency care, providing comprehensive care for premature, extremely premature and high-risk newborns.
Clinical Work
- Hospitalisation of newborns from the threshold of viability, 22 weeks, up to 44 weeks
- Management of surgical, neurosurgical, cardiac surgical and thoracic surgical problems
- Care of newborns with ophthalmological, ENT, orthopaedic and metabolic diseases
- Management of newborns with multiple congenital anomalies in the context of genetic disorders
- Hospitalisation of newborns in the discharge preparation stage in the High Dependency Unit, 1st HDU
- Hospitalisation of newborns from the community who require high dependency care
- Cooperation with all paediatric, surgical and laboratory departments
Services Provided
- Level III neonatal intensive care and high dependency care in the HDU
- Continuous respiratory, haemodynamic and metabolic support
- Imaging and laboratory testing in accordance with protocols
- Psychological support for parents
- Physiotherapy assessment and follow-up of newborns
- Breastfeeding support in cooperation with the Human Milk Bank
- Cooperation with the Surgical and Laboratory Sectors and the Child Psychiatry Clinic, NKUA
Medical Procedures & Interventions
- Ophthalmological follow-up for retinopathy of prematurity
- Brain ultrasound assessment of newborns by radiologists
- Psychological support for parents by a hospital psychologist
- Physiotherapy assessment and respiratory physiotherapy
- Parent training in handling techniques and exercises before discharge
- Inclusion in a physiotherapy programme after discharge
- Information and support for mothers on breastfeeding matters
Follow-up Outpatient Clinic
The clinic operates weekly and follows up premature and high-risk newborns who were hospitalised in the 1st NICU. It focuses on psychomotor and neurodevelopmental progress up to the age of 3–4 years.
Transport Unit
Participation in air and ground transport of premature and critically ill newborns within Attica, 15 days per month, alternating with the 2nd NICU, under the coordination of EKAB.
Educational Activity
The Unit provides a full two-year subspecialty training programme in Neonatology, with 4 positions for Paediatricians.
- Weekly educational lectures
- Breastfeeding workshop
- Participation in research protocols
Purpose of the Unit
The 1st NICU has been providing intensive care to premature and high-risk newborns for more than 50 years. Its aim is to ensure the best possible care, so that newborns can grow in good health and return to their families with the best possible quality of life.