Refurbished Perinatal Unit opens for mums

Maternity staff who attended the blessing were impressed with how light, airy and modern the upgraded unit now is.

Group Director Operations Alan Wilson said he was very pleased with the new spaces. Although the footprint has not changed the refurbishment has made a huge difference, he said.

“It’s a more vibrant work space and a lot more comfortable for mothers and whānau. Both staff and patients will notice the difference and it will be a great place for top notch care.”

The Perinatal refurbishment has included: a window enclosing the staff station for privacy and confidentiality, air conditioning, four of the ten bedrooms now have a shared ensuite, new oak coloured cabinetry, better storage, new lighting, new light coloured vinyl (rather than dark blue carpet) and a new beverage bay and sterilising station.

The bedrooms will all have a single sofa bed/chair for a support person and built in cupboards.

Medical gases are piped through the medical gas services panel rather than a portable trolley having to be wheeled in when needed that we had before.

The cultural interior design with tukutuku theme in burgundy and pink has also been carried through from the Birthing Unit.

Alan said in the next few weeks the Children’s Unit will be decanted to the Temporary Unit where Perinatal currently is while the Children’s Unit is being refurbished.

Pictured in the Unit are from left: Corli Roodt, clinical midwife director and manager; Mary Merson, receptionist; Katinka Huender, midwife; nurses, Ashika Prasad and Grace Martinez and Heather Thompson, maternity care assistant.