Maternity heritage lives on

St John of God Mt Lawley Hospital’s former midwife, Gloria Medrana, has celebrated the birth of her first grandchild at the hospital she worked at for 40 years.

6 Jul 2020

SJOG Mt Lawley Hospital Robin Gloria Baby Kayla Holly and Wesley Medrana

Kayla Medrana was born on 29 June 2020 in the Family Birthing Unit where her father was also born and her Grandmother retired from in 2013.

Gloria commenced at St John of God Mt Lawley Hospital (formerly Mercy Hospital) as a student in 1973 and worked in delivery and post-natal care, helping an incredible number of mothers and babies adjust to life as a family.

She was one of the hospital’s last lay midwives to be trained onsite which is celebrated as part of the hospital’s history collection that includes her portrait.

Visiting her son and new granddaughter at the hospital she had worked at for 40 years was a special experience for Gloria.

“Kayla was born the day before her father, Wesley, was born exactly 40 years ago at the same hospital so her birth has been the best birthday present to us all, said Gloria.

Chief Executive Officer Paul Dyer acknowledged the significant history of the hospital and the people who had contributed to it.

“It was wonderful to welcome Mrs Medrana back to the Family Birthing Unit where she not only enjoyed an extensive career helping thousands of Western Australians welcome new life into the world, but also where she delivered her own baby,” he said.

“We are proud that Gloria and her growing family will continue to be part of the hospital’s amazing history.”

St John of God Mt Lawley Hospital has been delivering babies since 1937 at the riverside location in the suburb of Mount Lawley.