Dayton Children’s NICU at Kettering Health begins caring for critically ill newborns

Dayton Children’s Hospital begins managing and operating its second NICU, located at Kettering Health Main Campus, operating as a hospital within a hospital. This endeavor will provide seamless, integrated care for critically ill newborns at Kettering Health and provides the groundwork for both organizations’ commitment to improving maternal and infant mortality rates in our region.  

An experienced leader will be at the helm. Ginny Dalton, DNP, RN, NE-BC is the newly named senior director of NICU services for Dayton Children’s and will manage both the NICU at Dayton Children’s and at Kettering Health. She was previously the administrative director of nursing for surgical and women’s services at Kettering Health Main Campus   and has a proven commitment to excellence, collaboration and communication. 

“We see this as a key step to providing the best possible care and experience for patients during the crucial initial days of a child’s life,” said Adam Maycock, president of Kettering Health Main Campus. “This will not only keep more families together through their comprehensive, whole-person care, but further strengthen how both organizations support health through pregnancy, delivery and the first steps of life in our community.” 

In addition to Dayton Children’s Hospital operating and managing the NICU at Kettering Health Main Campus, the collaboration will offer opportunities for innovation in the care of babies. Both Kettering Health and Dayton Children’s pride themselves on providing exceptional patient experiences and are committed to finding the best possible coordination of care for immediate and long-term care planning.  

“Together we are going to make Dayton the best place to be born and grow up,” said Debbie Feldman, president and CEO of Dayton Children’s Hospital. “Through this teamwork, we give babies the best possible start in life and work to overcome critical health issues that our community faces, such as the high rate of infant mortality.”   

Fast facts about NICU admissions, according to a 2025 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report: 

• NICU admission rates increased in Ohio by 13% from 2016 to 2023. 
• That means nearly 1 in 10 infants (9.8%) was admitted to a NICU in 2023. 
• The increase was across all races and ethnicities, maternal age groups, gestational age and birthweight categories.  

the importance of NICU care

NICU care provides a specialized, high-tech environment for premature or critically ill newborns. This immediate and intensive medical care improves outcomes and helps babies survive and thrive. Key offerings include:  

• Support and minimized stress for the entire family
• Specialized medical expertise with advanced treatment for complex conditions 
• Immediate and constant monitoring   
• Advanced technology and equipment  
• Improved outcomes