Athens Regional Medical Center is proud to announce it has received full approval from the Department of Community Health to become a Level III neonatal intensive care service provider. Athens Regional will be the first and only Level III neonatal intensive care unit in its 17-county service area.

“This is truly a substantial achievement for this organization, increasing the scope and level of care Athens Regional is able to provide for our tiniest patients,” said Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Jim Moore.

The Level III designation means ARMC has the capability to provide comprehensive care for infants that range from extremely low birth weight to full term requiring specialized interventions. The unit also provides advanced respiratory support, advanced imaging and access to pediatric medical subspecialists such as pediatric cardiologists and pediatric neurologists.

In conjunction with the hospital’s addition of a new heli-stop, the Level III designation allows ARMC to accept transfers from other area hospitals with neonates in need of advanced medical care.

“This designation publicly acknowledges, that through the tireless work of many, Athens Regional is able to provide the highest, greatest and most specialized level of care for babies in this region,” said President and CEO, Dr. Charles Peck.

The NICU at Athens Regional was expanded in November of 2012. The 16-bed unit admitted nearly 300 babies in 2014.