The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of the Archbishop Makarios III Hospital (NICU–NAM III) is the only Level III–IV neonatal intensive care unit in Cyprus, with a central mission to provide high-quality healthcare services to critically ill newborns.
It accepts referrals of both preterm and term neonates from across Cyprus, from 22 weeks’ gestation up to the 14th day of life, originating from the public and private sectors, the British Bases, and, in certain cases, from areas not under the control of the Republic of Cyprus.
The NICU–NAM III currently comprises 48 beds: 25 Level III–IV intensive care beds and 23 Level II intermediate care beds, offering a multifaceted and essential service. It is the national referral centre for all severe and complex neonatal cases. Clinical management is based on european and international protocols and supported by state-of-the-art equipment.
All modalities of conventional and alternative neonatal ventilation are available in the Unit, including inhaled Nitric Oxide therapy. Therapeutic Hypothermia is also provided for neonates with severe hypoxic–ischaemic encephalopathy. Furthermore, the Unit manages newborns with major paediatric surgical, cardiological, neurological, metabolic, genetic and other disorders requiring diagnostic evaluation, pre-operative stabilisation, post-operative care or other specialised treatment.
The neonatologists of NICU–NAM III provide immediate support and management to preterm and critically ill newborns at birth, in the delivery rooms and operating theatres of NAM III, as well as for referred cases. They also oversee the Level I Newborn Unit of the maternity department, which includes 26 beds and cares for infants requiring diagnostic assessment for various neonatal conditions.
A key pillar of the Unit’s operation is neuro-supportive care, delivered by personnel trained in the NIDCAP and FINE programmes. Two certified neonatal physiotherapists support the clinical team on a daily basis. Breastfeeding and skin-to-skin care are actively encouraged and promoted. The Unit also operates a Neonatal Neurodevelopmental Follow-up Clinic, monitoring infants who were hospitalised in the NICU until the age of two years, ensuring timely evaluation and intervention when needed.
Additionally, all infants discharged from the NICU between October and Februar receive immunoprophylaxis against Respiratory Syncytial Virus, in accordance with the approved protocol of the Ministry of Health of Cyprus.
The role of the medical staff extends beyond the care of critically ill neonates and includes participation in research activities, European and international studies and publications, development of clinical expertise and protocols, and the training of nurses, midwives, medical students, paediatric residents and neonatal subspecialty trainees. Since 2018, the NICU has been officially recognised by the Hellenic Republic as a centre for subspecialty training in Neonatal Intensive Care.
Appointments and Information
