Wollongong Hospital's birthing unit will be brought into the 21st century thanks to a $2.2 million government grant.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Work is set to start within weeks to remodel and refurbish the ageing facility after NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard made the funding commitment on Monday.
The existing unit will be relocated for four months during the renovations according to Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District board chair Professor Denis King.
"The current birthing unit is no longer fit for purpose and needs a full renovation to bring it up to contemporary standards," Prof King said.
"It's part of the overall attempt to improve maternity services across the district.
"During the work, the unit will temporarily move into a former ICU space, and when it moves back that space will be made into an orthopaedic and fracture clinic."
Prof King said the hospital had worked closely with consumer advocacy group Better Births Illawarra to ensure local women had input into the new design.
The plans include remodelling assessment areas and bathrooms to support modern birthing standards; enhancing waiting areas and improving the flow through the unit.
A new colour scheme and furnishings will be inspired by nature to make the space more calming, and less clinical.
BBI president Giselle Coromandel said: "After two years of advocating for an improvement to a unit that is old, outdated and desperately in need of an update, we are just delighted.
"Consumers, midwives and doctors have all given feedback, so it's nice that everyone has had input into the design.
"The changes will help women feel more comfortable, and will lead to better birthing outcomes."
ISLHD chief executive Margot Mains said plans had been in place for the works for some time, but unexpected cost rises had proved a challenge.
"The Minister's support means we can now proceed," she said.
"The hospital's birthing unit was last refurbished two decades ago and over that time has seen the birth of more than 40,000 babies; this funding boost will now enable the unit to undergo the much-needed work.
"...We want to make birthing mums as comfortable as possible and improving their surroundings will hopefully contribute to a better birthing experience for them and their families."
Ms Mains said plans for the temporary relocation were underway, with expectant mums to be notified as soon as dates and details were confirmed.