ACT Health Minister Meegan Fitzharris speaks to new mum Lidija Trpeska at Calvary Public Hospital maternity suite. Photo: Supplied.
Calvary Public Hospital’s maternity unit is to undergo a $2.6 million refurbishment over the next four months which will include extra beds and the provision of single rooms.
Work on the refurbishment is set to start at the end of this month, with women expecting their babies in July to be the first to enjoy the upgraded facilities.
The refurbishments will increase the maternity ward’s bed capacity from 15 to 18, with the improved ward to offer a combination of 10 single rooms with ensuites and four large two-bed rooms with bathrooms.
ACT Health Minister Meegan Fitzharris said the refurbishment will offer new mothers on the growing northside of the city better access to high-quality, modern birthing facilities.
“Calvary has a wonderful team of dedicated midwives and doctors, with more than 1,550 babies born at Calvary last year,” Ms Fitzharris said.
“It’s a great option for expectant mums to consider, particularly if they live on the northside, and after this refurbishment it will be even better.”
Ms Fitzharris said that the upgrade includes:
- refreshing the look and feel of the maternity ward by providing more space for mothers, their babies and their families
- a new patient and family lounge room and beverage bay
- a new baby and parent education and assessment room
- Contemporary Birth Suite rooms.
Calvary Public Hospital Chief Executive Officer Barb Reid welcomed the announcement of the refurbishment.
“Our team of midwives, nurses, doctors and specialists are delighted that this project will develop facilities and deliver refreshingly new clinical surroundings for mothers and families,” Ms Reid said.
“While ‘bricks and mortar’ are only a small part of a safe and happy birth, it is important that mothers, babies and families are comfortable through their pregnancy and during their admission. Calvary is grateful to the ACT Government for funding this exciting project.”
From Friday 23 February, the hospital’s maternity ward will be temporarily relocated to level 6 of the Xavier Building (previously used by Calvary Private). Work is currently underway to accommodate the transition.
If you live in Canberra’s north and are expecting a baby what will this upgrade of facilities mean for you? Do you think there are enough maternity beds on the northside? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
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