CHRISTUS Southeast Texas – St. Elizabeth provides lifesaving ventilator to premature infants

CHRISTUS Southeast Texas - St. Elizabeth is recognizing National Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) Month by focusing on the high-frequency oscillatory ventilator saving the lives of critically ill newborns.

Babies born before full-term, and especially before 32 weeks, have higher rates of death and disability, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The high-frequency oscillatory ventilation (HFOV) technology provides an alternative way of helping newborns breathe. It protects the baby’s lungs while treating severe lung problems, which is why experts choose to utilize this for premature babies with delicate and underdeveloped lungs.

“We are excited to now provide this technology for our tiniest, most vulnerable patients,” said Lacey Goodman, director of neonatal services for CHRISTUS Southeast Texas – St. Elizabeth. “Having this equipment local helps keep patients and their families in their community, close to their support system.”

She said since the beginning of the year, the HFOV has treated three critically ill patients with remarkable success. This was made possible by the Children's Miracle Network.

“The impact this technology has had on these babies and their families highlights just how important it is to have something like this available,” she said.

Colter Belk was the first baby at CHRISTUS Southeast Texas – St. Elizabeth’s level III NICU treated with the HFOV.

“Colter was born prematurely and spent a total of 96 days in the NICU,” said Desiree Belk, Colter’s mom. “We unfortunately lost a baby last year, and I just kept praying our family would not go through another loss again. Every nurse we had at this hospital could not have been more supportive and encouraging through this overwhelming process.”

She encourages other moms to deliver their babies at CHRISTUS Southeast Texas – St. Elizabeth and to trust the care the nurses and doctors will provide.

“When you have a baby in the NICU, you’re fighting the battle to not lose hope,” she said. “Colter may have been the first baby treated with this ventilator at CHRISTUS Southeast Texas – St. Elizabeth,’ but ultimately, this team knew it was the best option to save his life.”

She said now, Colter is a happy and healthy 5-month-old baby.

This advanced technology not only saved Colter's life but continues to provide hope for other babies facing similar challenges in the southeast Texas community.