SickKids is Canada’s only tertiary NICU participating in a teleneonatology study focused on newborn resuscitation

Posted on February 12, 2026

Summary:

As part of a North American trial, SickKids is contributing real‑time neonatal expertise to assess whether telemedicine can improve early outcomes for newborns in community hospitals.

Two staff sitting at a large table looking at a large screen showing simulation session with a baby mannequin.

SickKids staff provide insights to staff from Orillia Soldiers' Memorial Hospital using the teleneonatology tool in a simulation session.

Large medical device with an area to place a baby and a camera above.

Teleneonatology device part of TELENEO Trial.

The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) is participating in a newly launched five‑year North American research study exploring whether real-time telemedicine consultations with neonatologists can improve early health outcomes for at-risk newborns delivered in community hospitals, including those in Ontario.

Known as the TELENEO Trial led by the Mayo Clinic, this is the first randomized trial to examine whether telemedicine consultation with a video component (known as teleneonatology) between neonatologists, including those at SickKids, and community hospital teams, can help improve outcomes for babies born less than 32 weeks’ gestation to full term who require resuscitation at birth.

Through a secure platform, community care teams can connect with a SickKids neonatologist for real‑time guidance during high‑risk scenarios, bringing specialized expertise to the bedside.

“We’re asking a question that’s never been studied in this way,” says Dr. Marko Culjat, Staff Neonatologist, Division of Neonatology at SickKids and site principal investigator. “The study aims to fill a gap in evidence on how virtual expertise from highly specialized neonatologists may enhance care for high-risk newborns in community hospitals.”

Supporting community hospitals through real‑time expertise

In some community hospitals, health-care teams may receive support for neonatal resuscitation from neonatologists working in NICUs through basic telephone consultations. However, telephone consultations are limited by the inability to see the patient.

In Ontario, the study is currently active at four hospitals – Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital, Brampton Civic Hospital, Etobicoke General Hospital, and Cortellucci Vaughan Hospital – where SickKids provides teleneonatology support as the sole Canadian tertiary NICU participating partner. Participation is expected to expand to eight additional hospitals in Ontario over the next two years.

Preparing teams through ongoing simulation

Staff member wearing a headset looks on at simulation session on a screen. — Dr. Marko Culjat, Staff Neonatologist, SickKids, provides guidance to staff at Orillia Soldiers' Memorial Hospital during a newborn resuscitation simulation.

Simulation remains an essential component of telemedicine as health-care teams refine their use of the teleneonatology tool. In January 2026, SickKids neonatologists participated in a simulation session with the Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital team to practice the teleneonatology workflow.

Dr. Hilary Whyte, Staff Neonatologist, Division of Neonatology at SickKids, notes how simulation work strengthens partnerships between SickKids and participating hospitals, “Throughout this multi-site work, our relationships with community hospitals have deepened. The more we train and connect with these teams, the stronger the trust and collaboration become. It’s created a real sense of shared purpose between sites.”

Contributing to innovation in neonatal care

As the top paediatric hospital in the world according to Newsweek and Statista, SickKids’ Neonatology program was highlighted for its leadership and innovation. By contributing to the TELENEO Trial, SickKids is supporting research aimed at enhancing newborn care across diverse hospital settings.

“This study reflects the collaborative nature of neonatal medicine,” says Culjat. “We’re one of several centers working together to build evidence that could help improve outcomes for the most vulnerable babies.”