SPECIAL SECTION Having a baby: From delivery to when critical care is needed
CART WHEELS
PEDIATRIC CANCER
Almost like HOME New birthing suites offer more options and amenities
in the spotlight I n August 2024, Michael J. Ferguson, M.D. , joined Norton Children’s Cancer Institute as its new chief. He also serves as division chief of the University of Louisville School of Medicine Department of Pediatrics Division of Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation. Dr. Ferguson leads Norton Children’s team of physicians and staff dedicated to treating pediatric cancer and blood disorders throughout the region. He also is tasked with leading the vision for researching, developing and providing access to new treatments for pediatric cancer. “I’m honored and humbled to lead the hematology/oncology team at Norton Children’s and the UofL Division of Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation,” Dr. Ferguson said. “This talented staff helped transform Norton Children’s into a shining beacon of hope for so many patients battling blood disorders and cancer. There’s an incredible opportunity to grow our research, open cutting-edge clinical trials and build more specialty clinics to meet the needs of the most complex patients. I’m excited and ready to help make Norton Children’s a national destination for treating blood disorders and cancer.” Dr. Ferguson comes to Norton Children’s from Riley Children’s Health in Indianapolis, Indiana, where he specialized in pediatric hematology/oncology. He also was involved in research on discovering new treatments for sarcomas, a group of cancers that begin in the bones and soft tissue. New medical leader joins Norton Children’s, governor visits hospital
F amilies planning to welcome a baby at Norton Women’s & Children’s Hospital now have another option for their childbirth experience in two newly renovated labor and delivery rooms. The rooms offer a more homelike setting and are ideal for a natural or midwife-assisted delivery, as well as for those who may be expecting the loss of their infant. The $266,000 project was funded through the Norton Healthcare Foundation with support from donors, including the Merrilee Kullman Living Trust. “We know that many patients would like a more holistic experience for childbirth — but with the safety net of a hospital,” said Gigi L. Girard, M.D., OB/GYN and executive medical director of women’s services for Norton Medical Group. “Helping make childbirth more of an experience as opposed to a hospital stay is very important to us.” These new rooms offer additional space for a family as well as more natural light, enhancing that experience. They are available to anyone coming to deliver at the hospital on a first-come, first- served basis. All of the hospital’s 19 labor and delivery rooms offer natural childbirth options and other services, including availability of a labor tub, birthing balls, birthing stools, nitrous oxide for pain management, showers and wireless monitors that allow a patient to move around more freely during labor. The hospital has board-certified lactation consultants, including one dedicated to labor and delivery to help patients begin breastfeeding within one hour after birth. “We’re excited to bring this new option to patients and are grateful to the donors who have made it possible,” said Lynnie Meyer, R.N., Ed.D., FAHP, CFRE, senior vice president and chief development officer, Norton Healthcare. “Just imagine the number of new families who will be touched by these spaces and how it will help them welcome their new little ones into the world.” –Joyce Retz
A homelike birthing suite at Norton Women’s & Children’s Hospital
Great care at every step of the way Giving baby the best start at life begins before delivery. With more than 25 locations, including a new office opening soon at Norton West Louisville Hospital, high-quality pregnancy care in Greater Louisville and Southern Indiana is never far away. And Norton Women’s Care offers free prenatal classes via Zoom no matter where you are. While most deliveries are uncomplicated, Norton Women’s Care also specializes in complex pregnancies and deliveries. Specialists with Norton Children’s Maternal-Fetal Medicine offer high-risk pregnancy care not only in Louisville, but throughout Kentucky and through telehealth technology in rural areas.
Governor recognizes Childhood Cancer Awareness Month On Sept. 11, 2024, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear met Dr. Ferguson for a visit with pediatric cancer patients at Norton Children’s Hospital. His visit affirmed the commonwealth’s commitment to funding innovative pediatric cancer treatments, research and development. Patients’ families, cancer survivors, advocates and health care professionals also joined the leaders as Gov. Beshear signed a proclamation declaring September as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Thank you, Gov. Beshear, for your time and commitment to helping Norton Children’s fight childhood cancer. –Jon Redmon
Norton Women’s Care has been recognized as High Performing in Adult Maternity Care (Uncomplicated Pregnancy) by U.S. News & World Report for three consecutive years. It is the only provider in Kentucky to receive the award all three years, and the only one in Louisville to receive it for 2023–2024.
SUPPORT CHILDHOOD CANCER ADVANCEMENTS The Norton Children’s Hospital Foundation raises funds exclusively for Norton Children’s pediatric facilities and services to support programs, equipment, new technologies, clinical research, child advocacy and health education for patients, families, medical staff and the community.
NICUs are a safe backup for peace of mind
Norton Children’s is ranked in the top 50 nationally for cancer care by U.S. News & World Report’s Best Children’s Hospitals rankings for 2024-2025.
Norton Children’s Hospital serves all families regardless of their ability to pay. As part of a not-for-profit organization, Norton Children’s facilities rely on the generosity of the community to help fulfill our mission to provide for the physical and emotional health of children, from birth to adulthood. It takes the generosity of everyone in the community to enable Norton Children’s to be here for all children when they need us. Visit HelpNortonChildrens.com for ways you can help.
A Level IV neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at Norton Children’s Hospital offers the highest level of care for critically ill and premature babies. A Level III NICU at Norton Women’s & Children’s Hospital and a Level II NICU at Norton Clark Hospital mean these tiny patients can quickly be transported to high-level neonatal care at a moment’s notice.
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