St John of God
The new St John of God Berwick Hospital is nearing practical completion at Kangan Drive, Berwick.
Due to open on January 18, 2018, the hospital will feature a 22 bed Maternity Ward with a 6 cot Special Care Nursery.
The hospital has a defined vision for how the new unit will operate and run and is very clear about the steps which need to take place to see that vision become a reality.
To lead this process Maternity Nurse Unit Manager, Amanda Rentsch, began applying her plans for the unit many months ago, in preparation for the opening of the new hospital.
Amanda’s extensive experience in Midwifery allows her to bring a plethora of ideas to the unit, “There is a difference at St John of God. We have a different way of doing things that just goes that little bit further. We are currently looking at how we can further enhance the experience of pregnancy, delivery and post natal care for our families. My vision is that our patients have all the information, expert clinicians and facilities they need at their fingertips to make each stage of the journey as safe, easy and enjoyable as it can be. This includes once they have left us to go home, this is when the real support is often needed.”
The new unit will be a spacious, light and airy space which promotes calm, peace and wellbeing.
The private rooms will see a clever use of space with comfortable beds, built in sofa bedding for partners, adequate shelving and storage, access to baby bathing and change facilities and roomy ensuite bathrooms.
Patients will have access to outdoor spaces for convenient access to fresh air and there will be several communal areas for antenatal education, grandparents’ classes and other such group sessions.
The hospital plans to continue with the daily Afternoon Happy Hour, a special treat for tired new parents. Each afternoon a trolley laden with cakes, pastries, fruit, soft cheeses and biscuits and beverages circulates the unit and gives parents the chance to relax and share a special moment, during what can be a very tiring time.
The Level 2 Special Care Nursery will house 6 cots for babies who need a little extra medical attention following birth. The hospital currently offers 24 hour access to Anaethestist and Paediatric care and this will continue following the move to Kangan Drive.
St John of God Berwick Hospital is proud to support new parents in their choices and this too 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.
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 8pm and Sundays at 1.30pm at Gibb St. Pregnancy Information Sessions are hosted by an Obstetrician on the first Sunday of each month at 2pm.
For further information, please call 9709 1400 or visit www.sjog.org.au/berwickmaternity