Saving lives is the premise of the multidisciplinary team working in the Neonatology Service of the General Docente Antonio Luaces Iraola Provincial General Hospital in Ciego de Avila, a reference in the care of children under 1,500 grams and heart disease.

The dedication of this group 24 hours a day allows for a high level of survival and survival in children with low birth weight, as well as in premature babies with extreme weights.

The return home in optimal conditions of several twins and triplets was an achievement of this Avila Neonatology team, which exhibits a 98 percent survival rate.

Ladisbel Rodríguez Placeres, head of the service, explains that most of those admitted present exponential risks, derived from preterm births, intrauterine growth retardation and low birth weight.

These babies require more attention, especially because their organs have not matured sufficiently. Hence the modification of practices and protocols.

The strategy of the least possible intervention on the newborn is applied, avoiding tube feeding and replacing it with small drops of milk administered with syringes, commented Rodríguez Placeres.

The specialist emphasizes exclusive breastfeeding and the «kangaroo mother» method, of proven effectiveness.

This service has been granted Accredited status by the National Accreditation Board, which speaks positively of the care and attention given to patients, as well as the quality of its professionals (Mariesly Wong Morales).