Welcoming a new baby is one of life’s most profound milestones, and Mater Mothers’ Private Townsville is ensuring the experience is even more special with short stays for new parents and their newborns at the five-star, luxury Ardo hotel.
Mums who have their babies at Mater Mother’s Private Townsville now have the chance to bond with their partners and newborns in the first days after birth, relaxing on the edge of the Coral Sea while supported by Mater midwives.
Mother of two Jemyma Drury was the first to experience the Mater Moments at Ardo offering, enjoying experienced care in a serene environment with her husband and, newborn Spencer.
“It was amazing, the soft bed, the ocean views, the food, it definitely lived up to my expectations,” Mrs Drury said.
“When I had my first baby it was good to be in hospital because I didn’t know what I was doing, and I needed a lot of support.
“This time around, it was great to transition to the Ardo, so my husband and my toddler Harvey could stay overnight.”
Mater Private Hospital Townsville General Manager Stephanie Barwick said the new service is the only one of its kind in a regional Queensland city.
“Mater midwives continue to provide postnatal care during the hotel stay, with in-room visits and 24/7 telephone access to the hospital and Mater Mothers’ Parenting Support Centre,” Ms Barwick said.
“The Mater Moments at Ardo Townsville care model supports maternal wellbeing, early bonding, and a smooth transition to home.
“It’s a unique discharge pathway for eligible patients who are medically fit to be discharged from the hospital and are covered by a participating private health fund.”
Mater Mothers’ hospitals General Manager Kerri Gane said the two-day getaway was modelled on the highly successful Mater Mothers’ Private Hospital Brisbane, Moments at Emporium, which is enjoyed by hundreds of families each year.
“This is a much-loved service for our mothers and their families and enables a unique bonding experience with their newborns, and the peace of mind of having a Mater midwife or nurse available, to provide post-natal care and support,” said Ms Gane.
Approximately 600 babies are born at Mater Mothers’ Private Townsville each year and work is currently underway on an enhanced maternity service at the hospital’s Pimlico campus. The existing maternity services at Hyde Park are expected to be relocated to Pimlico by early 2026.
Mater Mothers’ Private Townsville will deliver 12 inpatient beds for new mums, as well as three birthing suites, six special care nursery cots and a dedicated maternity patient lounge, ensuring North Queensland families have the very best birthing experience.
