Maternity service evolves to ensure patients continue to receive compassionate and safe care throughout pregnancy journey

6 May 2020

Due to social distancing measures, the hospital’s Parent Education Program is now available to maternity patients online.

Experienced midwives and lactation consultants present on a variety of topics via video, allowing patients to access all course material in the comfort and safety of their home at their convenience.

St John of God Subiaco Hospital Midwife Heather Marin said “Pregnancy and the first few weeks and months of parenthood can be exciting, exhausting and often full of the unexpected, especially for first-time parents.”

“We want to ensure ours patients continue to receive our support, especially during this uncertain and unprecedented time.”

Breastfeeding and bathing classes are also now being provided to new mothers in their hospital rooms to ensure social distancing measures are adhered to.

In addition, the hospital has introduced new visitor protocols as part of COVID-19 precautions.

Maternity patients are welcome to bring one support person with them when they come to hospital to give birth, and that same person can remain with the patient for the duration of their stay, including overnight.

Visitors are also being screened for travel history and symptoms at the hospital’s main entrances and are having their temperature checked.

St John of God Subiaco Hospital Chief Executive Officer Professor Shirley Bowen added “The safety of our patients is our highest priority.”

“We have a community of very vulnerable people within our hospital, including new mums and their newborns, and we are committed to ensuring they are safe from harm.”

“Service developments, comprehensive infection control processes as well as screening measures ensure that we have created the safest possible environment while still offering women the same high level of care and support we are renowned for.”

Learn more about St John of God Subiaco Hospital’s maternity services and the latest COVID-19 information for maternity patients.