SLC Auxiliary Donates Funds for NICU Transport Incubator

Newburgh, NY – The St. Luke's Cornwall Auxiliary recently donated funds towards the purchase of a NICU Transport Incubator for the Elaine Kaplan Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at St. Luke's Cornwall Hospital (SLCH). This new equipment will aid in transferring NICU babies safely to other facilities. 

The Transport Incubator is equipped with a self contained power supply and the ability to maintain neutral thermal environment, mechanical ventilation, suction devices, and all other necessary capabilities to allow for safe transportation of SLCH NICU babies.

"The Transport Incubator makes the inter-hospital transfer least discomforting  to sick babies, and this transporter allows us to maintain the temperature, monitor cardio respiratory functions continuously, provide respiratory support, and at the same time able to provide fluids and nutrition during transport process " said Dr. Prabhakar Kocherlakota (Dr. KP). "Thanks to the continued generosity of the SLC Auxiliary, we are able to continue to enhance the services we provide to our patients."

Since its inception in 1997, the NICU has cared for premature infants and term newborns with infections, birth defects, breathing difficulties, and growth restriction. Named after the late Elaine Kaplan, a local philanthropist who, along with her family, identified the need for enhanced health care for infants in this community, the Level II Unit in Orange County provides a transport service for critically ill babies born at hospitals without neonatal expertise.

"The NICU is very near and dear to our hearts," said Jill Cappa, Chair of the SLC Auxiliary. "We are happy to be able to support the initiatives of the SLCH NICU and help the babies that are treated there. "

The SLC Auxiliary hosts the annual Elaine Kaplan Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Birthday Party every year. Hundreds of guests attend including former patients and their families.

St. Luke's Cornwall Hospital (SLCH) is a not-for-profit community hospital with campuses in Newburgh and Cornwall, NY. The hospital is dedicated to serving the health care needs of the Hudson Valley and aspires to excellence in the delivery of compassionate and comprehensive health care services. SLCH offers comprehensive cardiac, stroke, cancer, orthopedic services and a full range of other clinical offerings.