Delivering a baby at the John Hunter Hospital is now easier for mothers and medical staff, with an upgrade to the Maternity Assessment Day Unit (MADU).
Around 600 women present themselves to the Unit each month, and the state-of-the-art new facilities represent a much needed revamp.
The redeveloped MADU features a procedure room, two single-assessment rooms, a four-bed assessment room and a waiting and refreshment area for women pending further consultation.
Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter, Scot MacDonald, visited the Hospital yesterday to welcome the changes, and said it's vital the John Hunter keeps abreast of advances in medical technology and best practice.
"Newcastle's John Hunter Hospital is the tertiary hospital," Mr MacDonald said, "it's not just the local community who are using it...we saw people coming from Moree and Tamworth with complications so it's important we have the best and it really is well-centred now."
Stage 2B of the project is now complete, with 12 neonatal intensive care cots installed, with a further 2 x 4 bed intensive care rooms to come in June or July this year.
Wallsend MP, Sonia Hornery also welcomed the improvements and thanked the state government for coming through with the funds.
"It is great to see these facilities finally upgraded and reopened after having advocated for them for so long," she said.
"I thank the Health Minister for delivering these much-needed vital services that will benefit the people of the Wallsend electorate and right across the Hunter," she concluded.
The revitalised maternity ward is accompanied by a $2.6 million redevelopment of the Acute General Surgical Unit (AGSU), where 6 beds have been added.
Scot MacDonald said the extra beds "will improve patient transfer from the ED into surgery...and provide a clearer pathway through the emergency and surgical journey."
A more appropriate space has also been given to the Renal Procedure Clinic, which provides core nephrology and transplant outpatient procedural services.
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| Scot MacDonald meets staff at the MADU and AGSU, John Hunter Hospital. |
