Logan Hospital’s first water-born child has arrived following the unveiling of eight new birthing pools.
Water births are now an option for soon-to-be mums at Logan Hospital, with the state government last week opening several new suites.
North Maclean’s Kaela and Daniel welcomed their baby Willow last Tuesday (4 July), marking Logan Hospital history by being its first water-birth.
Baby Eleanor Purdie was also among the first to be born in the new pools.
Her mum, Danielle, took to social media to share her arrival.
“Welcome to the world,” Ms Purdie wrote.
“Mum and baby are doing well.”
A spokesperson for the hospital said the birthing pool featured LED lighting, Bluetooth and a shower head designed for extra comfort during labour.
The government also announced additional birthing suites – making a total of 12.
“Ten babies in all arrived during the birthing suites’ first day,” a spokesperson for the hospital said.
“Each new suite features a bright design, private bathrooms and a rest space for partners.
There have also been upgrades to the hospital’s Transit Care Hub.
The Transit Hub, now features 24 new beds and chairs, with nine more coming early next year.
These upgrades are part of the government’s $1 billion expansion of Logan Hospital, which Queensland’s health minister Shannon Fentiman said would tackle the significantly increased capacity the hospital is facing.
“Logan is one of the fastest growing regions in the state and this investment will ensure we can keep up with demand while providing the best possible healthcare experience through access to contemporary facilities and state-of-the-art technology,” Ms Fentiman said.
“Increasing the capacity of the Transit Care Hub will provide a more streamlined admission and discharge process – helping to free up acute beds for those who need them most.
“While the birthing suites are a welcomed addition for expecting mothers in this community, I’m excited to provide this choice to local women for the first time.”
The hospital’s executive director Kieran Kinsella said mums-to-be wanted more birthing options, with close to 4000 babies born at Logan Hospital every year and many more anticipated to arrive in the coming years.
To combat this, the government has promised $18.8 million towards the refurbishment of the hospital’s maternity service.
Stage one of the Logan Hospital expansion project is currently under construction, delivering 206 beds and treatment spaces, and costs $460 million.
Stage two will add 112 beds and more operating theatres. It is currently in design, and is said to cost $530 million.
The next addition will be a $20-million 28-bed modula medical ward which is due to open sometime this year.
