Neonatal Follow-up (NFU)

The Neonatal Follow-up Program (NFU) is a provincial program that provides care and monitors the development and growth of high-risk babies and preschool children.

Overview

The Neonatal Follow-up Program (NFU) is a provincial program that provides care and monitors the development and growth of high-risk babies and preschool children.

Information pamphlets are provided to the families of babies who qualify for enrollment from the NICU. Assessments generally occur when babies are six to eight months of age (corrected age if premature) and again at 18-24 months. Additional appointments may be arranged between the first two visits and before school entry if needed. The program provides developmental and health outcome information to Neonatology.

What To Expect During Your Visit

Should you require directions, check with front reception at SSCY Centre who will direct you to Clinic Crossing. You will check in with the receptionist at Clinic Crossing who will confirm your child’s demographic information. Please bring your Manitoba Health Card if possible.

Appointments are scheduled through the program secretary and coordinated with other service providers, where possible, for families living outside of Winnipeg. The appointments are usually 60-90 minutes long and can be longer when children are participating in research studies. We encourage families to bring any items their child might need during the assessment (ie: feeding materials, diapers, extra clothing).

Your child will have their weight and height measured then you will be taken into one of our clinic rooms. The appointment will include:

  • Weight and height will be measured;
  • a health interview;
  • a developmental play testing, which looks at problem solving skills, fine and gross motor skills and language skills; and
  • a physical exam.

There will be time to talk about the tests, future assessments and recommendations. If neurodevelopmental concerns are noted, referrals are made so the child can receive needed therapies and treatment.

Meet Your Team

Developmental Pediatrician and/or Neonatologist: The doctor will perform the developmental/play assessment, physical examination, conduct the health interview, and will be available to answer questions related to the assessment. 

Nurse Clinician: The Nurse may also do the play testing and health interview, will weigh and measure the child, and will obtain necessary consents.

And may include: 
Occupational Therapist
Physiotherapist
Psychologist

These therapists will conduct assessments in their areas of expertise and answer any related questions.

How To Access The Program

This program is for babies who meet criteria established by Neonatology at the time of their birth or in the immediate neonatal period. Children born at or cared for in the NICU at Health Sciences Centre are eligible for assessment in the program. Babies born at or cared for in the NICU at St. Boniface Hospital are seen through ACF Pediatrics at St. Boniface Hospital. Patients may also be referred by physicians who think a developmental follow up would be helpful or from other neonatal follow-up programs. Children who are participating in research studies, who require developmental follow up as part of the study protocol, are also seen. Children are eligible for assessment in the program until school entry.

Program Funder

This program is funded by Manitoba Health, Shared Health, the WRHA and the Rehabilitation Centre for Children.