St Mary's Ward hosts a Birth Suite providing a private and safe environment where individual birthing needs can be accommodated. Five birthing suites are available, each with bedroom decor, an ensuite, television, sitting area and tea and coffee making facilities.
St Mary's Ward
St Mary's Ward is a new contemporary 35 bed facility with 29 private suites and three spacious shared suites which are all well equipped and technologically advanced.
All rooms have external views over the hospital's beautifully landscaped lake or gardens, are fully equipped with ensuite, mini fridge, air conditioning, baby bath, hair dryer, comfortable chair for breastfeeding, flat screen television and telephone as well as tea and coffee making facilities. Double bed suites and single bed suites are available, however, utilisation depends on delivery type. Single bed suites are required for caesarean section patients. Partners are able to stay overnight if desired, in private rooms only. Boarder Fees apply.
Special Care Nursery
The Special Care Nursery is located in close proximity to the ward. Specialised (Level 2) neonatal care can be provided to babies from 34 weeks and/or requires specialised care, monitoring or treatment he/she may need to be classified as an in-patient. Additional costs will be incurred and it is recommended that you check with your health fund to ensure your baby is adequately covered.
Included in the Nursery is a breastfeeding room with comfortable chairs, balcony, tea and coffee making facilities and milkroom to support parents of babies in the Nursery.
Parents only are permitted in the Nursery. Children, grandparents and visitors are asked not to enter, but are welcome to view through the window.
Candlelight dinner
A candlelight dinner is offered during your stay and served in the privacy of your room for you and your partner to celebrate the birth of your baby.
Lactation Consultants
Qualified and experienced midwives staff the maternity unit. A large number of these midwives are also Lactation Consultants should you require additional breastfeeding advice.
Mothers who wish to return home early may receive support and assistance from the midwives of St Mary's ward. Please contact the ward on (08) 9366 1098 for information on how to access this service.
Other services provided include neonatal intensive care, maternity pre-admission clinic and breastfeeding information/assistance.
Health Fund Cover
Obstetrician, anaesthetist and paediatrician charges are separate from the hospital's account. A portion of the paediatric consultation fee is claimable from Medicare. Please check with your health fund and doctor, as some charges may not be fully covered.
Should your baby require specialised care and admission to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, further charges could be incurred. To ensure your baby is fully covered for all possible medical charges, you may need to convert your health cover to a family benefit. Please contact your health fund for further advice.
Visiting hours
From 3.30pm - 5.30pm and 6.30pm - 8.30pm daily. The rest period is 1.00pm - 3.30pm daily.
Baby Photographs
Forms are available at the ward desk. The photographer visits St Mary's ward daily at about 10am.
Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) This is a global movement that aims to give every baby the best start to life by creating a healthcare environment where breastfeeding is the norm, and where maternity facilities follow practices known to promote the health and wellbeing of babies and their mothers.
The staff of St John of God Hospital, Murdoch supports the 10 Steps to Successful Breastfeeding, the global criterion against which maternity facilities can be assessed and designated "Baby Friendly". Achieving Baby Friendly status is a goal being considered for the future.
Our aim is for you to gain knowledge, skills and develop confidence and independence in the management and care of your baby.
Nursery
Mothers are encouraged to room-in with their baby 24 hours a day. However, a nursery is available if time out or assistance is required. Parents only are permitted in the nursery. Children, grandparents and visitors are asked not to enter, but can view through the window.
Physiotherapy
A physiotherapist conducts classes in the Multipurpose Room on Tuesdays and Fridays from 10.30am to 11.30am.
Postnatal Talk
A midwife conducts postnatal talks in the Multipurpose Room on Mondays and Thursdays from 10.30am to 11.30am. New mothers are welcome to join in this group forum and learn more about caring for yourself and your baby when you go home.
Baby Bathing
Caregivers will demonstrate baby bathing in the nursery.
Boarding
For private rooms only, husbands/partners may board overnight on fold-up beds. Boarder charges include overnight stay and meals as a single charge. Meals will not be provided unless boarder fees apply. Children may not board.
Discharge
All patients are asked to vacate rooms by 10.00am. You may be asked to wait in the day lounge with your baby to allow rooms to be prepared for new admissions. Before discharge, all babies need to be bare-weighed and checked in the nursery.
Birth Registration Papers
You will receive relevant paperwork from the Ward Clerk before discharge.
Child Health Clinic
Caregivers will provide you with information on your local Child Health Clinic before discharge.
Murdoch Maternity at Home Mothers who wish to do so may return home early with support and care from the midwives of St Mary's ward. During your stay in hospital, please discuss your discharge with your midwife. If you are eligible for the Murdoch Maternity at Home package, a Baby Registration Certificate will be provided to enable you to claim services.
The Murdoch Maternity at Home package includes continuity of care with:
24 hour contact, seven days a week with the midwives of St Mary's ward
All postnatal care in your home
Breast feeding support
Care after a caesarean section
Guthrie testing
Liaison with your doctor.
The Murdoch Maternity at Home service includes the provision of:
Disposable nappies
Perfumed nappy bags and travel wipes
Nappy Service
Meals.
If you have health insurance cover for the Murdoch Maternity at Home Package and live within 20kms from St John of God Hospital, Murdoch, and meet the specified conditions outlined in the Murdoch Maternity at Home Table (available from the Maternity Unit), there will be no cost for services provided.
If you do not have private health insurance, please enquire about the costs of midwife visits.
For more information, please call the St Mary's ward clerk on weekdays between 9.00am and 4pm on (08) 9366 1098.
Murdoch Mums At Melville Recreation Centre Murdoch Mums at Melville is an informal monthly gathering for new parents that includes discussion of an education topic.
The centre is on the corner of Canning Highway and Stock Road, Melville (car park entrance off Stock Road). Cafeteria facilities are available for after the meeting.
Midwives from St Mary's ward are present to discuss any problems and provide reassurance. For more information, please telephone St Mary's Ward on (08) 9366 1098.
Centre facilities and activities include creche, Gymbaroo for children and babies, gymnasium for adults, basketball and drama. For more information about the centre, please telephone (08) 9330 9933.
