The Department of Neonatology and Neonatal Intensive Care takes care of some 5,200 newborn infants annually. It is comprised of two wards: The Well-baby Nursery (headed by Prof. Imad Makhoul) and the Neonatal Intensive Care (NICU). The Well-baby nursery cares for approximately 4,700 newborn infants each year while the NICU treats some 500 premature and newborn infants each year, including premature infants weighing under 500 grams.
The NICU provides a wide range of treatments using the most advanced technologies and techniques; some are unique to Rambam, including neurosurgery, cardiac surgery on newborns to correct congenital heart defects, identification and treatment of metabolic diseases, and congenital nephrology disorders, to name a few.
The department's staff of highly experienced specialists provides expert consultation services to the various pediatric departments and receives infants with complex disorders from all of the hospitals in Northern Israel. Pregnant women at high risk and families of infants in the department also have access to consultation and training from a pediatric psychologist, and support services from the department's social worker.