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Ready to help SEPH patients

24 Hour Maternity Helpline - Ph: 9709 1400

St John of God Berwick Hospital - Ready to Help SEPH Patients

baby pic with siblingsIn response to South Eastern Private Hospital’s (SEPH) shock announcement to close Maternity Services on Friday, 6th July; St John of God Berwick Hospital has agreed to accommodate all mums affected by the decision who wish to deliver their baby at the Berwick-based hospital.

St John of God Berwick’s CEO, Lisa Norman said, “Our facility has been providing maternity services for over 70 years and we have 20 modern maternity rooms with 4 birthing suites making us well positioned to take on additional births. We have been in constant contact with our obstetricians and have given our guarantee that all mums wishing to transfer their booking to St John of God Berwick can do so."

Over the coming months, an estimated 250 parents will be affected by the closure of the SEPH maternity unit. As a result, the Berwick hospital has put in place a team of people who will manage a rapid booking process offering families peace of mind that they will have complete continuity of care and all pregnancy concerns addressed immediately.

Ms Norman said, “A team of highly skilled clinical and administration staff will dedicate 100% of their time to ensure a professional and smooth transition for parents."

She added: “We are a values based organisation that embeds our care in the principles of hospitality, compassion, respect, justice and excellence and that is what all patients can expect at our hospital”.

Ms Norman advises that St John of God Berwick Hospital has already:

  • Set up additional booking consultations and hospital tours
  • Put in place a 24 hr helpline 
  • Increased theatre capacity to accommodate elective and emergency caesarians including round the clock theatre staff, paediatricians and anaesthetists
  • Direct patient access to the Maternity Care Manager to answer questions and concerns
  • Dedicated administration staff to handle and process patient paperwork

Ms Norman said, “We have already delivered three babies who were previously booked in at SEPH and we look forward to welcoming in more families over the coming months. We are fortunate to have an experienced and committed Maternity Care team who are keen to ensure that families are supported during this difficult period”.

Lisa Norman has guaranteed that mums who are already booked with St John of God Berwick will not have their care compromised in any way due to the offer to accommodate SEPH patients.

She said, “Our service had capacity to take on additional families and we believe we can maintain our focus on patient centered compassionate care that has seen us consistently achieve high patient satisfaction results”.

If affected parents have concerns, Lisa Norman advises they should call 9709 1400 to arrange a private consultation to have all their questions answered.