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Thames Birthing Unit Takes Shape
24 February 2011
Thames Birthing Unit Takes Shape
Construction of Thames Birthing Unit took a short break over the Christmas period but is now on track for completion in June.
The 412 Mary Street site is a hive of activity with cranes, diggers and concrete trucks onsite.
So far this year, workers have excavated the site, installed drainage, poured concrete flooring and put up wall framings.
Clinical midwife manager Louise Rowden said it is exciting to see the progress each day.
“It’s great to see it finally happening over there. Staff are getting very excited and we’re taking bookings from women due after June,” she said.
Work is also underway behind the scenes to prepare staff for the move into the new department.
The primary birthing facility will replace the current maternity facilities inside Thames Hospital, providing a brand-new and purpose-built facility for the region.
Director of nursing and midwifery Sue Hayward said the building work shows the community that the new unit is a reality.
“Thames Birthing Unit will be a real asset to the community and a central hub for all maternity care,” she said
Thames Birthing Unit will be for
natural, low-risk births under midwifery care and will not
offer medical interventions like epidurals or caesarean
sections -
Waikato Hospital provides those.
It will have a significant outdoor area, two birthing rooms and three postnatal bedrooms – each with their own ensuite.
The unit will also have new birthing aid equipment including a large pool and slings.
ENDS
Waikato District Health Board
Healthy People. Excellent Care
Waikato District Health Board (DHB) employs over 6500 people and plans, funds and provides hospital and health services to more than 391,770 people in a region covering eight per cent of New Zealand.
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