CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Miracles happen routinely at Driscoll Children's Hospital, but there's no place where it is more apparent than the hospital's Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.
It's where the tiniest premature babies receive 'round-the-clock attention, and from there typically go on to lead normal lives.
The NICU has been saving lives since Driscoll Children's Hospital opened its doors. The department operates as a Level 4 NICU, providing 24/7 healthcare at the highest level.
"We have achieved that and we continue to achieve that by the services we provide," NICU Director Chris Joyle said.
Joyle has been with Driscoll for more than 20 years. He said patients include pre-term and newborn babies faced with different types of illnesses.
"Being a Level 4 center, we see a variety of diagnosis," Joyle said.
Close to 40 patients are seen daily. Many families travel from different areas, but the NICU staff makes it their mission to ensure that parents understand their child's needs long after they leave.
"Our nurses and neotologists help those families understand those things so they can provide that care when they get home," Joyle said.
As the need for more care grows, so do the resources. The NICU started on the third floor of the hospital but has expanded to private rooms and more than 60 beds, all equipped with the latest devices.
"We just make sure that as a Level 4 center that we keep up with up to date with technology for our patients," Joyle said.
One of the newest additons is an Angel Eye, a camera attached to the wall so parents can watch their infants in real-time through their cellphone. Joyle said the technology is a gift made possible by fundraising events like Fiesta de los Niños and the genorosity of the community.
"We have a lot of people that donate," Joyle said. "A lot funds that are available for us that we can provide these services."
Those services are life changing for families.
"More care for more kids, and that's what we thrive on is making sure that we provide the best, safest quality care for our patients and our families," Joyle said.