Published Tuesday, 23 December, 2008 at 12:38 PM
Minister for Communities, Disability Services, ATSIP, Multicultural Affairs, Seniors and Youth
The Honourable Lindy Nelson-Carr
Deliveries in waiting as Nelson-Carr opens $2.2 million Birth Centre
Eighty-three expectant mothers are being case managed by Townsville Hospital’s new Townsville Birth Centre.
Officially opening the $2.2 million Birth Centre today, Minister for Communities Lindy Nelson-Carr said that of the 83 mothers-to-be on the centre’s books, 42 were expected to deliver their babies there in the next few months.
“About 120 mothers and fathers will benefit during the centre’s first year of operation and it’s hoped that number will double during the second year," she said. “Alongside this welcome new facility, regular Townsville Hospital maternity services will always be available, confirming the Bligh Government’s commitment to birthing choices.”
Operations Director of the Women’s and Children’s Unit at the hospital Vicki Carson said the Birth Centre has three themed rooms – water, earth and forest – muted lighting, spa baths and a small kitchenette in each room.
“Once a baby has been born, mother and baby can leave the birth centre and return to their home, sometimes in as little as six hours.
“This is the preferred option for many mums, once mother and baby have been assessed as healthy and well,” Ms Carson said.
Ms Nelson-Carr said four caseload midwives will provide antenatal services either at the centre or in the homes of expectant mothers. Deliveries will occur at the centre followed by postnatal midwife care at home until six weeks after the birth.
“Townsville Birth Centre will make the best use of the combined skills of midwives, general practitioners and obstetricians, to ensure quality and safety.
“Cooperation between government, non-government and community groups, in particular Friends of the Birth Centre and the Maternity Coalition, has been a major factor in bringing the project to fruition.” Ms Nelson-Carr said.
Births in Townsville are increasing by about 10 percent a year, with almost 2500 babies born during 2007.
Media Contact: Harry Landman 0407 637 510
Officially opening the $2.2 million Birth Centre today, Minister for Communities Lindy Nelson-Carr said that of the 83 mothers-to-be on the centre’s books, 42 were expected to deliver their babies there in the next few months.
“About 120 mothers and fathers will benefit during the centre’s first year of operation and it’s hoped that number will double during the second year," she said. “Alongside this welcome new facility, regular Townsville Hospital maternity services will always be available, confirming the Bligh Government’s commitment to birthing choices.”
Operations Director of the Women’s and Children’s Unit at the hospital Vicki Carson said the Birth Centre has three themed rooms – water, earth and forest – muted lighting, spa baths and a small kitchenette in each room.
“Once a baby has been born, mother and baby can leave the birth centre and return to their home, sometimes in as little as six hours.
“This is the preferred option for many mums, once mother and baby have been assessed as healthy and well,” Ms Carson said.
Ms Nelson-Carr said four caseload midwives will provide antenatal services either at the centre or in the homes of expectant mothers. Deliveries will occur at the centre followed by postnatal midwife care at home until six weeks after the birth.
“Townsville Birth Centre will make the best use of the combined skills of midwives, general practitioners and obstetricians, to ensure quality and safety.
“Cooperation between government, non-government and community groups, in particular Friends of the Birth Centre and the Maternity Coalition, has been a major factor in bringing the project to fruition.” Ms Nelson-Carr said.
Births in Townsville are increasing by about 10 percent a year, with almost 2500 babies born during 2007.
Media Contact: Harry Landman 0407 637 510