Families across the Gladstone region are now benefitting from enhanced maternity and paediatric facilities following the official opening of Gladstone Hospital’s new Women and Family Centre.
The opening was marked with a celebration attended by staff, stakeholders and community representatives, culminating in a commemorative cake cutting and tour of the newly redeveloped facility.
Central Queensland Health Chief Executive Lisa Blackler said the new centre represented a significant investment in family-centred care and would strengthen local health services.
The purpose-built facility brings maternity, birthing and paediatric services together in a modern, dedicated space designed around the needs of the local community.
“It was wonderful to celebrate this milestone with the teams who have worked so hard to bring the project to life, and we look forward to supporting families in this space for many years to come,” she said.
“We extend our thanks to our project partners, including Health Infrastructure Queensland and Bridgeman, whose expertise and collaboration have helped deliver this fantastic facility for Gladstone families.
“The Women and Family Centre provides a welcoming, contemporary environment that supports our commitment to delivering high-quality maternity and paediatric care close to home.
“As a nurse and midwife, I am passionate about ensuring our birthing spaces support privacy, comfort and family connection during such an important time.”
The new Women and Family Centre includes 13 single maternity rooms with ensuites, two birthing rooms, two early labour and induction suites, a dedicated nursery for newborn care and eight single ensuite rooms for paediatric patients.
Consumer Representative Isabeau Smith said she provided the perspective of a mum who had recently birthed in Gladstone during the design process.
“I had really great birth experiences at Gladstone and I wanted to see a new space created that allowed other people to have great experiences too,” she said.
Isabeau said important things to her was more private patient spaces and that staff loved their workspace.
“It is so beautiful I want to have a third baby and I think it could be on the cards after seeing it all.
“The birth suits themselves are beautiful, but my favourite is the light that comes through the rooms so that you can lie with your new baby in your own room, with the natural light would be a beautiful thing to experience.”
Ms Blackler said a highlight of the new model of care was allowing women in labour to remain in their own room for longer before moving to one of the centre’s birth suites.
“We know having a calm, supportive environment can enhance the overall experience, and it’s wonderful to see local families benefiting from facilities designed specifically with them in mind.”
Ms Blackler said the dedicated paediatric area would also improve the experience for children requiring hospital care.
“The purpose-built paediatric space enhances care for children, with modern, self-contained rooms, dedicated treatment spaces and thoughtful family-focused features creating a more comfortable, supportive and welcoming environment close to home,” she said.