Newborns can receive more advanced medical attention close to home now that Highpoint Health – Sumner with Ascension Saint Thomas has upgraded and expanded its Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Now operating as a Level II NICU, Highpoint Health - Sumner is equipped and trained to care for premature infants born as early as 32 weeks gestation, or 8 weeks prematurely, as well as newborns who require specialized monitoring and treatment due to moderate health conditions. This level of care provided in Gallatin keeps families united and reduces the burdens of transport to hospitals in downtown Nashville.

The 4-bed level II NICU is staffed with experienced neonatology providers and specially trained nurses who provide comprehensive care, including non-invasive respiratory support like “bubble CPAP” and Vapotherm, intravenous nutrition, and treatment for neonatal infections and jaundice. Babies also have access to human donor milk, which can provide the littlest patients with nutrient-rich sustenance. Other NICU services include bedside digital imaging, phototherapy and working with area transport teams to higher levels of care if needed.

“Expanding our NICU capabilities is something we’ve been working toward for a long time and marks a major milestone for our hospital and the families we serve,” said Rod Harkleroad, Chief Executive Officer of Highpoint Health - Sumner. “Now, families facing unexpected medical needs for their newborns can receive expert, specialized care right here in Gallatin, without the added stress of travel.”

For parents, having a more advanced NICU close to home provides peace of mind and a more seamless transition from birth to specialized care. This allows parents to be more present and involved in their child’s early care, enhancing family bonding and reducing logistical challenges and financial burdens associated with out-of-town hospital stays. A typical length of stay for a baby admitted to a Level II NICU is a few days. Newborns with more complex medical needs will still receive care in an appropriate setting, and Highpoint Health – Sumner has transfer agreements in place with area hospitals to ease that transition.

“We heard Sumner County families when they said they needed this service. This upgrade reflects our commitment to providing exceptional, compassionate care to families in Middle Tennessee,” said Amanda Snyder, Director of Women’s Services at Highpoint Health – Sumner. “We are dedicated to ensuring that all newborns, especially those requiring additional medical support, receive the highest standard of care close to home.”

About Highpoint Health with Ascension Saint Thomas

Highpoint Health with Ascension Saint Thomas, part of Lifepoint Health, is a regional health system dedicated to making communities healthier in northern Middle Tennessee. It is composed of Highpoint Health – Sumner, the 167-bed flagship hospital, and Highpoint Health – Sumner Station located in Gallatin; Highpoint Health – Riverview, a 35-bed critical access hospital in Carthage, and Highpoint Health – Trousdale, a 25-bed critical access hospital in Hartsville. The system's innovative partnership with Ascension Saint Thomas brings together the organizations’ clinical excellence, best practices, and talented caregivers to collaborate in new ways that improve access to high-quality clinical programs and specialty care for patients and communities. To learn more, visit HighpointHealthSystem.com