Health care technology improves with new Telenicu device in Delta County

ESCANABA, Mich. (WLUC) - A three-month-old baby named Arthur was the first patient in Escanaba to receive new Telenicu care.

Through remote video technology, Arthur’s parents were able to meet a Neonatologist with HSHS St Vincent Children’s Hospital in Green Bay. Arthur’s Mom Heather Turner said it was a game-changer in her son’s care.

“One of the nurses I believed noticed his heart rate was really high,” said Turner. “So, they used the Telenicu to talk to a doctor in Green Bay and assess what was going on with him at that time and determine that he did need to be transported to Green Bay.”

HSHS St. Vincent Hospital Neonatologist Megan Linn said using the technology has allowed her to provide patients with more efficient and fast treatment.

“With the use of cameras and other specialized equipment, we can look and see, you know look at the baby, examine the baby even listen to the baby,” said Linn. “Zoom in on certain parts of the baby and we are able to do our own assessment.”

OSF St. Francis in Escanaba acquired the technology after the hospital was awarded a grant in October. OSF Nurse Manager Merrisa Macgregor stated this is especially great for those living in rural areas like Escanaba.

“Usually, it takes about 90 minutes for a transport team to arrive,” said Macgregor. “This machine allows our hospital to have expert counsel within a few minutes.”

Meanwhile, Turner said baby Arthur is now happy and healthy and she wants other parents to know this is something they can trust.

“The technology is here. To know that they can have a doctor that’s two hours away listen to your baby see your baby know that they need to transfer your baby to a specialty facility,” said Turner.

Linn said technology like Telenicu is the future of healthcare.

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