Ferguson Secures $200,000 For Hunterdon Medical Center's Newborn Care

07/13/06

Mothers and newborns would benefit from $200,000 secured by Congressman Mike Ferguson for the Hunterdon Medical Center's Newborn and Maternal Health Initiative, the Hunterdon Democrat reported.

The funds Congressman Ferguson requested would help the hospital purchase a variety of specialized equipment, including neonatal cardiac monitors, advanced infant care diagnostics, electronic fetal monitors and infant ventilators, according to the Courier-News.

"Hunterdon Medical Center has an important regional mission caring for New Jersey's infants, women and children," Congressman Ferguson said during a visit to the facility, the newspaper reported. "Updating its newborn and maternal equipment will help Hunterdon Medical accomplish this important goal."

Nearly 20 percent of the 1,400 babies born annually at Hunterdon Medical Center need special medical care.

The hospital's president, Robert Wise, told the Hunterdon Democrat that the facility aims to raise $3 million to renovate the maternity and newborn care center and pediatric facility.

"Congressman Ferguson has been a long-time supporter of Hunterdon Medical Center and recognizes the importance of providing quality health care to our residents," Wise told the Courier-News. "Comprehensive prenatal care is essential, and it forms the foundation of our maternity and newborn care center's philosophy.

"These funds will help us improve patient care by offering the most advanced technology to our patients. Future plans include renovating the maternity and newborn care center and pediatric unit, which will cost approximately $3 million. These renovations are necessary in order to better serve our growing community."

The federal funding requested by Congressman Ferguson won initial congressional approval when it was approved by the House Appropriations Committee and included in the annual appropriations bill that finances the departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education. The full House is expected to consider the legislation later this year.