Maternity service upgrade at Swan District Hospital

14/12/06
A major $1.9million upgrade of the maternity facilities at Swan District Hospital means expectant mothers will have access to a modern, high-quality 24-hour service.
Health Minister Jim McGinty said the hospital would provide women with a more comfortable place to give birth and offer a wider range of birthing options.
"The upgrade includes an extension of the antenatal clinic area and renovation of the maternity ward and delivery suites," Mr McGinty said.
"A major feature of the upgrade is the installation of a large bath which women can choose to use in the initial stages of labour, and three new ensuites in the delivery rooms.
"The facilities are expected to lead to more women choosing to give birth at Swan.
"This financial year alone 16 per cent more women are expected to have their babies at the hospital than in the previous year.
"Last year hospital staff delivered 883 babies at the hospital and that number is expected to grow to 1,050 this year."
The upgrade included:

• three new ensuites in the delivery rooms (now all five rooms have ensuites);
• installation of a large bath in the birthing suite;
• a new kitchen for use by patients and families;
• renovation of maternity ward bathrooms;
• installation of one-way blinds in the maternity ward for increased privacy;
• creation of two new antenatal consulting rooms and a dedicated antenatal reception/waiting area;
• installation of a dedicated antenatal ultrasound machine; and
• new floor coverings, paint, fixtures and fittings throughout the delivery rooms, maternity ward and antenatal area.

Co-ordinator of Nursing at Swan Kalamunda Health Service Gretta Wallis said staff were pleased with the upgrades.
"The refurbishment has significant advantages for midwives and nurses as well as mums and their families," Ms Wallis said.
"The new modern facilities make it easier for staff to do their job efficiently and safely."
The number of women using the antenatal facilities at the hospital had already increased by 18 per cent.
Between May and November this year there were 4,823 attendances, compared with 4,061 during the same period in 2005.
Staff levels had been increased to support the expected growth in deliveries, and an antenatal clerk and Aboriginal liaison officer had been appointed.
The maternity unit has obstetricians on-site 24-hours a day and permanent on-call support from anaesthetists and paediatricians.
Mr McGinty said planning was under way for the construction of a new $192million hospital in Midland.
The 331-bed facility was expected to be completed in 2011.
Minister's office - 9422 3000