6 May 2011
The Medibank Private Maternity Experience Index, released today, evaluated the experiences of over 2,000 patients, who recently gave birth in private hospitals, across key areas of care including
staff, support throughout pregnancy, birth and early parenthood and hospital environment.
The Group Chief Executive Officer of St John of God Health Care, Dr Michael Stanford, said the survey results once again confirmed the high standards of care provided to patients.
“It is fitting recognition of the skill and dedication of our team of midwives and support staff, as well as the obstetricians who choose to care for their patients at our hospitals,” he said.
Last financial year, St John of God Hospital Subiaco welcomed 3,686 babies into the world, while St John of God Hospital Murdoch welcomed 1,847.
“Between them and over the past five years, our Perth hospitals have contributed to delivering over 26,000 babies who represent such tremendous potential for the future of Western Australia,” Dr Stanford said.
St John of God Hospital Subiaco Chief Executive Officer, Dr Shane Kelly, said that in addition to Subiaco’s excellent maternity services, it met a critical community need by providing services supporting women and their families affected by antenatal and postnatal anxiety and depression.
“The St John of God Raphael Centre is part of our commitment, through our Social Outreach and Advocacy services, to providing free or minimal cost services to people in the community who are
experiencing disadvantage,” Dr Kelly said.
“Our desire to provide services in the community, well beyond the walls of our hospitals, is an important part of who we are as a leading Catholic, not for profit health care group.”
St John of God Hospital Murdoch Chief Executive Officer Peter Mott said the survey results, which come within weeks of the launch of the hospital’s $234 million redevelopment, reiterated St John of God Health Care's commitment to providing excellence in care within a hospitable environment.
"This is a fantastic endorsement by our maternity patients as to the quality of care we provide. Additional birthing suites in our redevelopment will ensure we continue meeting community demand
for our high quality maternity services," he said.
Recently, the hospital awarded one of its midwives, Julia Zehnder, the title Caregiver of the Year.
“Her dedication and passion for parent education and extensive midwifery knowledge were recognised by both her colleagues and patients," Mr Mott said.
St John of God Health Care, which was founded in 1895 in Western Australia and still headquartered in Perth, runs 13 private hospitals (2,022 beds), home nursing, pathology services and Social Outreach and Advocacy services. It now operates in Western Australia, Victoria and New South Wales, as well as New Zealand and East Timor.
The organisation reinvests revenue in improving the health of communities by increasing facilities and services, investing in technology and providing a range of health services to people experiencing disadvantage.