At a recent Vernal Area Chamber of Commerce luncheon, Doctor Daniel Kwak, a Neonatologist from Ashley Regional Medical Center, gave a historical overview of medical newborn care and local services offered. Although harrowing while going through it, baby mortality rates have decreased immensely. In the late 1800’s, the mortality rate for mother AND baby was 75-80%. The mortality rates now are at 15-16% and are mostly caused by drug use and disease. The care for newborns is broken down to four levels: Level I – Well Newborn Nursery normal/regular newborn care, Level II – Special Care Nursery, Level III – NICU, and Level IV, Regional NICU which is the highest level of care for babies who need special surgery for birth defects and other disorders. The Ashley Regional Medical Center is a Level II care unit and can provide extensive services to new born babies 32 weeks and above. Dr. Kwak is also affiliated with with Primary Children’s in Salt Lake City which provides Level IV care.
