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Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Vilnius University Children’s Hospital 10th Anniversary and Recognition of the Contribution by Mr. Nicholas Lagnella Sr.

June 7, 2000

Information for Media

When:  Friday, June 9, Children’s Hospital, Santariskiu 7, 1:00 pm.
 
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Vilnius University Children’s Hospital 10th Anniversary and Recognition of the Contribution by Mr. Nicholas Lagnella Sr.

June 7, 2000, Vilnius – The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of Vilnius University Children’s Hospital was the first operational intensive care unit created exclusively for the care of newborn babies ten years ago. Today it stands as a premier Department providing a high level of medical care for critically ill neonatal patients. About 220 – 250 newborns are treated at the unit each year, and about a third receive surgical treatment for various congenital defects.  During the last decade, principles of treatment of severely ill newborns have been established, and the possibilities for their treatment and observation have greatly increased.  Essential equipment is now set up at each bed.

Due to the significant contribution of Mr. Nicholas Lagnella Sr., former President of Rotary International, in cooperation with the U.S. Embassy in Lithuania, the International Relief Team and Dr. Arunas Liubsys, Head of the NICU, a modern high-frequency ventilator was acquired recently.  The cost of this up-to-date piece of equipment is about $40,000.00. 

A ceremony marking the NICU 10th Anniversary and recognizing the contribution by Mr. Nicholas Lagnella Sr. will be held at NICU on Friday, June 9.  U.S. Ambassador Keith Smith will make remarks.

For more information please contact:

Margarita Juzoniene, Information Resource Coordinator

Public Affairs Section, U.S. Embassy Vilnius,

Tel.: 220-481, E-mail: margo@usembassy.lt