About The Neonatal Unit

The Neonatal Unit (NNU) at CUMH is one of the busiest units in the country catering for approximately 7,500 births at CUMH per year. Approximately 1 in 10 of all babies born in CUMH will require admission to the neonatal unit.

The neonatal unit has approximately 50 cots. Care in the Neonatal Unit is delivered within two clinical areas:

Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)

Neonatal Intermediate Care Unit 

If your baby requires admission to the neonatal unit we understand that this can be a very stressful time for parents. Our mission is to provide the best possible care for your baby in an environment that supports you, and your baby through this difficult period.  

The Department of Neonatology operates within the Ireland South Women & Infants Directorate and is led by a team of seven Neonatal Consultants and Neonatal Nurses. The delivery of care in the NNU is a complex process and could not effectively be delivered without the support of a multidisciplinary team.  

The Neonatal Unit at CUMH accepts transfers of Sick Infants from the HSE South/South West Region including University Hospital Kerry,  South Tipperary General Hospital and University Hospital Waterford as well as accepting transfers of small groups of infants from University Hospital Limerick.  The neonatal unit is a highly specialised facility providing an entire range of neonatal care, including intensive care, high dependency care and special care.  

Babies are admitted to the neonatal unit for a number of reasons including Prematurity, Breathing Problems, Neonatal Jaundice and Feeding Issues to mention but a few.  

As an academic facility, teaching of medical, nursing, midwifery and allied health therapy students continues to be a central component in the day to day delivery of care in the Neonatal Unit