Clinical Focus

Services Provided

• One Stop Services to women that include Pre-conceptual, antenatal, inter - partum clinical services
• Provide all subspecialty services, laboratory supports, and medical / diagnostic imaging services needed by pregnant women, newborns, and postpartum women.
• Provide excellent state of the art Perinatal (Fetal) and Neonatal services (NICU) by trained specialists
• Neonatal services are available 24x7 round the year
• Neonatal and maternal transport services are available 24x7
• Provide Paediatric Surgery and Paediatric Cardiac Surgery facilities

Provision of Consultative Services 

• Provide 24-hour consultation and subspecialty services
• Genetic services (karyotyping), Fish etc.
• Metabolic Screening services
• Neonatal Follow-up services
• Speech and hearing tests
• ROP screening tests

Achievements

• First successful ECMO for Neonatal Respiratory Cause in India

UNIQUE SERVICES OFFERED IN THE DEPARTMENT:

1) SCOPE: Sri Ramachandra Center Of Excellence in PErinatal Health
The Perinatal Center (SCOPE) a tertiary care facility will serve as the ultimate place for the high-risk mother and the baby in Chennai Region. The concept proposes to develop an integrated. a multidisciplinary system that would promote the delivery of health care for mothers and babies according to their needs. The well developed Obstetrics team and its fetal medicine program, providing state of the art services to high-risk mothers, and the Neonatology team providing the state of the art services to high-risk babies are the major strengths for SCOPE.

Goals

• Promoting health of mother and the baby
• Providing access to high-quality health care to pregnant women, newborns, and postpartum women
• Providing consulting services and health education to health care professionals at the community Hospitals
• Providing maternal and Neonatal transport services
• Promote post graduate training in Neonatal and Perinatal Medicine
• Promote Community Health focusing on Maternal and Child Health
• Promote training of Other health professionals involved in providing maternal and child health (Nursing, Child Development etc.)
• Promoting Research in the field of maternal-child health

2) Karthikeyan Child Development Unit (KCDU)
KCDU is a well organized, first of its kind, Child Development Unit which offers neurodevelopmental follow up services for high-risk newborn babies and also assessment of children with developmental/ behavioral problems. This is an inter-departmental service that provides Pediatric and neurological assessments, developmental assessment, ophthalmic evaluation, speech and language evaluation, physiotherapy, psychological evaluation using standardized scales and nutritional assessment as a package under one roof.

3) Community Activity
Partnering with the Government (Department of Public Health), neonatal care programs are conducted at regular intervals to train the healthcare workers in newborn care and resuscitation through BNCRP (Basic Newborn Care Resuscitation Program) with an aim to reduce the neonatal mortality rate.

• 231 BNCRP Workshops covering 8266 health care workers - Coordinated & Conducted across 25 Districts in TamilNadu (From 2012 till)
• 17 Advanced Newborn Resuscitation Program (NRP) workshops Conducted till date (From 2013 till)

Our department conducts weekly clinic (every Tuesday) for children with developmental delays and genetic problems at VidyaSudha, an NGO that takes care of children with special needs.
Our Department initiated and supervised the development of a 25-bed neonatal care facility as an urban low-cost neonatal intensive care unit in Voluntary Health Services, Taramani, Chennai, a non-profit organization.
Consultants from our department are also involved in mentoring neonatal units of remote and rural areas in the most backward states  in India under Emmanuel Hospital Association.

Academics: Our institution offers a comprehensive range of academic and training programs in Neonatology. The academic programs offered in Neonatology include

DM Neonatology (Post-doctoral 3 years course):

• Duration: 3 years
• Seats: Two seats available every year
• Recognized by the National Medical Commission (NMC)
• Provides specialized training in Neonatology at a post-doctoral level.

PhD in Neonatology:

• Duration: Typically 3-5 years (varies by institution and country)
• This program is for those looking to pursue advanced research in Neonatology.

Fellowship in Neonatology for Doctors (Indian Academy of Pediatrics):

• Eligibility: Post MD/DNB (Paediatrics) or DCH
• Duration: 1 year (Post MD/DNB (Paed)) or 1.5 years (Post DCH)
• Seats: Two per year
• Accredited by the Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP)
• Trains doctors in advanced neonatal care.

Fellowship in Neonatology for Doctors (National Neonatology Forum):

• Eligibility: Post MD/DNB (Paediatrics) or DCH
• Duration: 1 year (Post MD/DNB (Paed)) or 1.5 years (Post DCH)
• Seats: Two per year
• Accredited by the National Neonatology Forum (NNF)
• Offers specialized training for doctors in neonatal care.

Fellowship in Neonatology for Nurses (National Neonatology Forum):

• Details: Specific details on duration and eligibility would typically be provided by the National Neonatology Forum. Such programs generally focus on enhancing the skills and knowledge of nurses in neonatal care.
• Provides specialized training for nurses in neonatal care.

These programs cater to different levels of education and experience, from post-doctoral specialization to advanced fellowships for doctors and specialized training for nurses. 

Academic Activities:

• Case Presentations: Sessions where clinical cases are discussed to enhance learning and problem-solving skills.
• Seminars: Educational sessions conducted by experts to share knowledge and advancements in neonatal care.
• Journal Clubs: Discussions based on recent research articles to stay updated with current literature.
• Perinatal Meets: Meetings focusing on perinatal care, involving interdisciplinary discussions.
• Mortality and Morbidity Meets: Sessions aimed at reviewing and learning from adverse outcomes in neonatal care.
• Radiology Meets: Discussions centered around radiological findings in neonatal cases.
• Pathology Meets: Sessions focusing on pathological aspects relevant to neonatology.

Active Academic Programme:

• Emphasizes continuous learning and professional development through a variety of interactive sessions and events.
• Provides a platform for healthcare professionals to exchange knowledge, discuss challenging cases, and stay updated with the latest advancements in neonatal medicine.

This structured approach not only supports the academic and professional growth of doctors and nurses specializing in neonatology but also fosters a collaborative environment conducive to advancing neonatal care practices.

Research Focus: Our neonatology department's commitment to research and innovation is commendable, focusing on several critical areas within the field. Here’s an overview of our department's research activities and initiatives:

Research Focus Areas:

1. Resuscitation-related Studies:
   • Research aimed at improving techniques and outcomes in neonatal resuscitation, crucial for the initial care of newborns.
2. Respiratory Care:
   • Studies focusing on advancements in respiratory support and management, particularly for premature infants and those with respiratory distress.
3. Preterm Birth:
   • Research addressing issues specific to preterm birth, including complications, management strategies, and long-term outcomes.

Collaborative Research Efforts:

• International Collaborations: Engaging in collaborative studies with international partners, such as the ongoing TORPIDO II trial in collaboration with the University of Sydney.
• TORPIDO II Trial: Focuses on optimizing oxygen concentration at birth, highlighting your department’s involvement in cutting-edge research with global impact.

Ethical Considerations:

• Commitment to Ethics: Conducting research with due ethical considerations ensures that studies are conducted responsibly, safeguarding the well-being and rights of patients and participants.

Impact and Goals:

• Advancing Medical Knowledge: Contributing to the advancement of medical knowledge in neonatology through rigorous research and scientific inquiry.
• Improving Clinical Practices: Translating research findings into improved clinical practices, thereby enhancing the quality of care provided to newborns.
• Enhancing Quality of Life: Ultimately, aiming to improve the quality of life for newborns and their families by implementing evidence-based practices and innovations.

Our department’s active involvement in research not only contributes to scientific progress in neonatology but also underscores a commitment to continuous improvement in clinical care. By participating in international collaborations and focusing on critical areas such as resuscitation, respiratory care, and preterm birth, our team is at the forefront of shaping future practices and standards in neonatal medicine. This dedication to research with ethical integrity ensures that our efforts translate into meaningful outcomes for neonatal healthcare globally.

Conferences organized by the department: Our department has organized a variety of conferences and workshops focusing on different aspects of healthcare and medical research. Here's a list of Conferences organized  

LAMBCON

Basic Lactation Workshop - 3rd South Asia LAMBCON Basic Lactation Workshop 2023. Renowned experts from all over the country and South Asia region shared their experience, research and latest updates in the field of breastfeeding, lactation management and human milk banking.

SIEMES

SIEMES-III 2021 & SIEMES-IV 2024 – discussed on a wide spectrum from basic genetics, TMS to stem cell therapy , Genomics & Liver transplant. The participants actively involved in hands -on training for interpretation of common metabolic disorders.

Ventilation workshop

• Neonatal & Paediatric Ventilation Workshop 2020
• Ventilation workshop - SRMC & SRMC-Crane
• 14th Workshop On Paediatric & Neonatal Ventilation 2022
• 16th Paediatric & Neonatal Ventilation Workshop 2023

The ventilation workshops organized by our department focus on enhancing skills and knowledge related to respiratory care in neonatal and paediatric settings. Ventilation workshops typically cover topics such as:

Basic Principles of Ventilation: Understanding the fundamentals of mechanical ventilation, including modes, settings, and monitoring.

Advanced Ventilation Strategies: Exploring newer techniques and strategies in ventilatory support.

Clinical Applications: Applying ventilation principles to specific clinical scenarios encountered in neonatal and paediatric intensive care units.

Workshop Format: Hands-on sessions where participants practice setting up ventilators, adjusting settings, and troubleshooting common issues.

Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Opportunities for networking and collaboration among healthcare professionals involved in respiratory care.

These workshops are crucial for healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, respiratory therapists, and allied health professionals, to stay updated with the latest advancements and best practices in ventilation therapy. They also serve as platforms for sharing research findings and discussing challenges in the field.

NeoCORE

• NeoCORE-Conference
• NeoCORE - Next Generation Workshop 2020
• NeoCORE 2020 - Research Methodology Workshop
• NeoCORE2023 CMC Vellore (CMC, JIPMER, SRIHER)

Neonatology departments of Christian Medical College Vellore, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research (SRIHER) Chennai, and JIPMER Puducherry are jointly conducting a two-day conference on neonatal research, ‘NeoCORE’ (Neonatal Conference On Research and Expert Talks). The target audience are neonatology residents doing DM, DNB or Fellowship courses and practicing neonatologists. Pre-conference workshops were held. Sessions include expert lectures focusing on research, evidence and recent advances on neonatal topics. This was alternated with podium presentations on both days, which served as a platform for neonatology / paediatric residents who have done research in a neonatal-perinatal topic to present their research work to eminent faculty for critical appraisal. Awards were given for the best 5 papers. There was also a poster session.  All DM & DNB Residents and Neonatology Fellows attended and presented their research papers in the conference.

Each of these events cater to different aspects of neonatal and paediatric care, ventilation techniques, lactation, and research methodologies. This diversity suggests a robust engagement with various facets of medical and healthcare advancements within our department.

Thrust areas for our department

We focus the following thrust areas for our department in a medical or healthcare setting. 

Extreme Preterm Survival: This likely involves improving outcomes for extremely premature infants, focusing on prenatal care, advanced neonatal intensive care techniques, and long-term follow-up.

Neuro-critical Care – Therapeutic Hypothermia, Bedside EEG: This includes managing critical neurological conditions in infants, such as using therapeutic hypothermia for hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy and performing bedside EEG for monitoring brain activity.

High Risk Follow Up: Providing specialized care and monitoring for infants at high risk due to prematurity, genetic conditions, or other factors to optimize their long-term health and development.

Genetics and Rare Disease Clinic: Offering specialized diagnostic services, genetic counseling, and management for infants with genetic disorders or rare diseases.

Screening and Management of IEM (Inborn Errors of Metabolism): Implementing protocols for early screening, diagnosis, and management of IEMs to prevent complications and optimize outcomes.

Neonatal Cardiac Surgeries: Performing surgical interventions for congenital heart defects in neonates, including complex procedures to improve cardiac function and outcomes.

ECMO (Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation): Providing advanced life support for newborns with severe cardiac or respiratory failure who do not respond to conventional therapies.

Renal Replacement Therapy: Managing acute and chronic kidney failure in neonates, including dialysis and other renal support therapies.

Lactation Management: Supporting breastfeeding mothers and infants, including education, consultation, and support services to promote successful breastfeeding.

Neonatal Transport Service: Providing specialized transport for critically ill newborns to ensure safe and timely transfer to tertiary care centers.

Focusing Your Thrust Areas:

Prioritization: Identify which of these areas align most closely with your department’s mission and expertise.

Resource Allocation: Allocate resources (staff, equipment, training) accordingly to strengthen these thrust areas.

Collaboration: Foster collaboration with other departments or institutions to enhance capabilities in these specialized areas.

Education and Research: Invest in continuous education and research to advance knowledge and outcomes in these specific fields.

Patient-Centered Care: Always keep the focus on improving patient outcomes and experiences through these specialized services.

By focusing on these thrust areas, our department can enhance its reputation, improve patient outcomes, and contribute significantly to the field of neonatal and pediatric care.

Outreach and community activities : Our department has a strong foundation in outreach and community activities, particularly in training programs related to neonatal care. Here’s how we develop and expand these efforts:

Continued Training Programs: Continue participating in and expanding training programs like BNCRP (Basic Neonatal Care Resuscitation Program) and ANRP (Advanced Neonatal Resuscitation Program). Ensure consistent updates and adaptations to the latest guidelines and practices.

Trainer of Trainer (TOT) Programs: Leverage your faculty's expertise as trainers for national-level programs like TOT for neonatal resuscitation. This involves training healthcare professionals who can then train others, cascading knowledge and skills throughout the healthcare system.

Community Workshops and Seminars: Organize workshops and seminars in local communities to educate healthcare providers on neonatal care best practices, including topics like breastfeeding support, early recognition of danger signs, and basic newborn care.

Collaboration with Public Health: Continue partnering with the Department of Public Health for broader reach and impact. Collaborate on initiatives such as maternal and child health programs, vaccination drives, and health education campaigns.

Telemedicine and Online Training: Explore opportunities for virtual training sessions and consultations to reach remote areas where physical presence may be challenging. This can include webinars, online courses, and teleconsultations for healthcare professionals.

Research and Advocacy: Conduct research on local healthcare challenges related to neonatal care and use findings to advocate for policy changes and improved healthcare practices at the community and state levels.

Community Engagement: Engage with local communities through health fairs, outreach clinics, and partnerships with community organizations. Provide educational materials in local languages and culturally sensitive information.

Race for 7: It is hosted by the Organisation for Rare Diseases India (ORDI), as an annual event aimed at raising awareness about rare diseases in India. Many participants joined the event, which included walking, running, or cycling a distance of seven kilometers. This symbolic distance represents the 7,000 known rare diseases. The main goal of Race for 7 is to spread awareness about rare diseases. In India, there are an estimated 70 million individuals affected by these diseases, which individually may affect only a small number of people but collectively have a significant impact on public health. The event serves as a platform to highlight the challenges faced by rare disease patients and their families, including difficulties in diagnosis, access to treatment, and support systems. By organizing such events, ORDI aims to advocate for better policies, resources, and support for rare disease patients in India. This includes promoting research, improving healthcare infrastructure, and fostering community solidarity. Events like Racefor7 play a crucial role in raising awareness, mobilizing support, and advocating for the needs of rare disease patients, ultimately aiming to improve their quality of life and outcomes.

Monitoring and Evaluation: Establish mechanisms to monitor the impact of your outreach activities, including feedback from participants, follow-up on training outcomes, and tracking improvements in neonatal care indicators in the regions where you operate.

By strengthening these outreach and community activities, our department contributes significantly to improving neonatal care outcomes across Tamil Nadu and beyond, ensuring that healthcare providers are well-equipped to handle critical situations and provide quality care to newborns.

Alliances: We are interested in potential alliances or partnerships with the following organizations:

University of Sydney: Known for its strong medical and research programs, collaboration with the University of Sydney could involve joint research projects, exchange programs for faculty and students, or sharing best practices in medical education and healthcare.

NIRMAN: NIRMAN, an Indian non-governmental organization focuses on sustainable development and social welfare. Collaborating with NIRMAN might involve joint initiatives related to healthcare access, community health programs, or public health research.

IIT Madras (Indian Institute of Technology Madras): A premier engineering institution in India, partnering with IIT Madras involves projects at the intersection of medical technology, bioengineering, or healthcare innovation. This could include developing medical devices, healthcare IT solutions, or joint research in biomedical sciences.

Crane Hospital: Partnerships with hospitals involve clinical research, training programs, patient care initiatives, or sharing of medical expertise.

Phoenix Medical Systems: As a medical device manufacturer, Phoenix Medical Systems collaborates on projects related to improving medical equipment, developing new technologies for healthcare delivery, or enhancing healthcare infrastructure in underserved areas.

We identify Common Goals, Formalize Partnerships, Joint Projects and Initiatives, Exchange Programs and have Long-term Engagement

By leveraging these alliances effectively, our organization can enhance its capabilities, expand its reach, and make meaningful contributions to healthcare, research, and community welfare initiatives.