Our new maternity unit opening 18 January 2018

St John of God Berwick's new hospital includes a brand new maternity unit, which will open January 18 2018, offering private rooms and light and fresh facilities for new mums.

7 Sep 2017

7 September 2017

A key feature of the new St John of God Berwick Hospital, which is currently under construction at Kangan Drive is a 22-bed maternity ward with a six-cot special care nursery.

The spacious, light and airy unit aims to promote calm and wellbeing for mums and their babies with private rooms featuring a built-in sofa bedding for partners, shelving and storage, access to baby bathing and change facilities and ensuite bathrooms.

Mums will also have access to outdoor spaces for convenient access to fresh air and communal spaces for parent education including antenatal education, grandparent classes and other group sessions.

Maternity Nurse Unit Manager Amanda Rentsch said the hospital's had a defined vision for how the new unit will run which puts the parents wellbeing at the fore.

"We support new parents in their birthing choices at our current facility and this approach will continue within the new unit. Parents are given access to information throughout pregnancy and birth about a variety of birthing options, feeding options and also have their choice of obstetrician," she said.

"We will continue our daily afternoon happy hour to provide a special treat for tired new parents which is very popular, and our afternoon trolley laden with cakes, pastries, fruit, soft cheeses and drinks offers parents a chance to relax and share a special moment during what can be a tiring time."

A Level 2 Special Care Nursing will also feature at the hospital, providing care for babies who need a little extra medical attention after being born.

The hospital's current 24-hour access to anaesthetic and paediatric care will continue at the new hospital.

Current maternity services

The Maternity Unit at the existing Gibb Street hospital is operating as usual during construction and will continue to offer maternity care right up until the opening of the new hospital.

Tours are currently run each Tuesday at 8.00pm and Sundays at 1.30pm.

Pregnancy Information Sessions are hosted by an obstetrician on the first Sunday of each month at 2.00pm.

For further information or to book your place at a Pregnancy Information Session, please call (03) 9709 1400.