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Newborn Hugo Christopher has made history at Mater by becoming the first baby to be born at Mater Private Hospital Townsville’s new maternity unit at Pimlico.
Baby Hugo entered the world on Tuesday, weighing 3.4 kg – much to the delight of his mum Abby Christopher and Mater’s maternity team.
“It’s lovely to finally have him in my arms, and we are thrilled to be the first family enjoying Mater’s new maternity unit,” Ms Christopher said.
“I had a baby two years ago at the Hyde Park campus and this is an exceptional upgrade.
“It’s the same caring staff, but the facilities here are like a 5-star hotel and we never want to leave.”
The new, family-friendly maternity ward has three state-of-the-art birth suites, a six-cot special care nursery, and 12 private rooms offering comfort and privacy.
More than 600 babies are born each year at Mater Mothers’ Private Townsville and Midwifery and Nursing Manager Rebekah Barrie said the new maternity unit had been designed for clinical excellence.
“Every mum will stay in a private room with an ensuite, giving them privacy and space to rest and bond with their newborns,” Ms Barry said.
“Mothers will also have personalised care through pregnancy, birth and during the first precious days with their baby.”
The hospital’s previous maternity unit was based at its Hyde Park campus but was relocated to Pimlico this week as part of a $40m redevelopment project to enhance facilities and services at Mater Private Hospital Townsville.
The project included the relocation of the renal unit from Hyde Park to Pimlico, and expansion of the Emergency Department. The new maternity unit was also supported by a $9 million grant from the Federal Government.
Mater Private Hospital Townsville General Manager Stephanie Barwick who just gave birth to her third child Judd, was the last mum to give birth at the Hyde Park campus.
“It’s the end of an era for Mater Townsville as we close our Hyde Park campus and open our new maternity service at our main facility at Pimlico,” Ms Barwick said.
“Mater is the region’s only private maternity service, and our new unit is a testament to our commitment to improving patient care and providing state-of-the-art facilities.”
The new maternity service also ensures mothers and babies have access to the comprehensive services available at the Pimlico campus.
“From ICU support to digital operating theatres and collaboration with our team of specialists, Mater’s new maternity service ensures the highest standard of care from pregnancy through to birth and beyond,” she said.
Feature Image: Abby and Greg Christopher and baby Hugo (2 days old)
