Marian Regional Medical Center Physician and Pharmacist Appreciative of Outstanding Neonatal Intensive Care during COVID-19

Infant daughter was released only days ago from Marian Regional Medical Center's NICU

SANTA MARIA, CA – June 9, 2020 – Marian Regional Medical Center physician Sam Othman, MD, and his wife, Janelle Othman, a pharmacist at Marian, were incredibly appreciative of the care their newborn daughter received in Marian’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) during the COVID-19 pandemic. With visitation limitations and the coronavirus as obstacles, the new parents faced unusual circumstances after the birth of their first daughter, who required special care during her three-week stay in the NICU. 

After her successful birth at 36 weeks at Marian Regional Medical Center’s Maternal and Newborn Center on May 5, it was determined that newborn Delilah Summer Othman needed additional support. 

“We were incredibly grateful for the special attention to care that our daughter received during her stay in the NICU,” says father, Dr. Othman. “The staff was diligent about the proper protective equipment and sanitary measures were heightened, and we never had any concerns for exposure of COVID-19 to either ourselves, or our daughter.”

Throughout her hospital stay, both mom and dad took turns by their newborn daughter’s side, as visitation was limited to one family member at a time. She was introduced to her two older brothers, Owen and Declan, initially with the use of electronic communication, an additional measure the hospital has taken to keep patients and their loved ones connected. 

“At first, the experience of childbirth and a stay in the NICU in the midst of a pandemic was a little unknown and daunting, but overall it was a very positive experience,” says Janelle. We are over-the-moon excited to have received the care we did, and to now have her home with us.”

After her stay in the unit, Delilah was released home and his healthy and safe, surrounded by her loving family. 

Throughout the pandemic, for the health and safety of our patients and staff, Marian has implemented extensive measures: 

• Everyone is screened prior to entry
• Masks are required and provided to anyone in need
• Visitor limitations are enforced
• Enhanced disinfectant protocols maintain a clean and sterile environment
• Those that have COVID-19 symptoms are cared for in separate areas 
• Private rooms allow for additional safety and comfort

Marian’s 21-bed, Community (Level III) Neonatal Intensive Care Unit is the most sophisticated and technologically-advanced Unit in the region, providing exceptional care to the tiniest of patients.

 

[Photos: Top, Left - Janelle Othman and baby Delilah in NICU. Top, Right - Baby Delilah Othman and father, Sam, in NICU. Bottom, Left: Baby Delilah in NICU. Bottom, Right: Othman Family]

###

About Marian Regional Medical Center
Marian Regional Medical Center is a technologically advanced, 191-bed facility that provides safe, quality care.  Marian has been a recipient of the Distinguished Hospital Award for Clinical Excellence and was also named among the Top 10% in the Nation for Critical Care by Healthgrades. Marian is designated a STEMI Receiving Center in Santa Barbara County, and is designated a Level III Trauma Center by Santa Barbara County’s Emergency Medical Services Agency. The facility has achieved prestigious designation as a Primary Stroke Center by the Joint Commission for advanced, comprehensive care for stroke patients. Our cancer care program is accredited as a Comprehensive Community Cancer Center by the American College of Surgeons’ Commission on Cancer, and received the Outstanding Achievement Award. The campus houses a comprehensive perinatology/ neonatology program, providing specialized care to the tiniest of patients.