Also.. I have been checking out hospitals and such. My doc delivers at 2 hospitals. one has a level 2 NICU, and the other has a level 3. I never thought that I would have to decide on a hospital based on what level NICU they have. The one that has the level 3 is also right next to the children's hospital. Cant go wrong there huh??
Level 3 NICU and a Children's next door is an excellent idea.
The higher risk and twin pregnancies are fairly routine in that type of environment.
I had minor complications with Justin, level 2 staff came in and suctioned his airways to prevent problems , they quickly responded and he was just fine. For your run of the mill minor problems and slight prematurity.. level 2 is fine.
IF by chance the little jumping beans decide to make a very early appearance-- level 3 all the way! That way you can go down the hall to visit(our local NICU/maternity has closed circuitTV for moms that aren't well enough to leave room to "visit" baby) VS having to wait until discharge to motor over since they would be transferred.
The only problem is insurance.. some policies charge an extra co-pay for upper tier hospitals. Something we will have to consider when hubby gets a full time job.
We have MANY choices for hospitals in our area.. everything from a small community hospital to U of MN. The smaller hospitals don't have all the imaging equipment (no MRI) , less specialized staffing (one dialysis nurse in the whole hospital), less surgical suites/staff. For your routine illnesses it's okay. One of the small hospitals specialzes in heart attacks.. odd I know.
If you have a car accident/ trauma.. off you go to Hennepin County Medical Center, that's their specialty. They also have the only hyperbaric chamber in the area to treat carbon monoxide poisoning. And it's a public hospital.. so they serve the uninsured/ underinsured.
University of MN-- tranplants, cancer treatment, children's cancer treatment.. if you are not insured, they dont want you.
Abbott NW -- hubby's preferred "other home", I like their renal and heart floors-- very calm and not crowded. Short stay surgery area was nice (calm and quiet.. that's where I went after donation) .. but you DON'T want to be there for your run of the mill illness, med/surg.. three to a room, ancient part of the hospital ! YUCK!
anyway.. I'm rambling.. but you get the idea..
