The Maternity Assessment Unit, Maternity ward (birthing and postnatal) and the Special Care Baby Unit, will be redeveloped over the next two years.
Associate Minister of Health Dr Ayesha Verrall, visited Hutt Valley DHB on Friday to discuss the $9.47m project and hear about plans to improve maternal and neonatal health outcomes across the region.
“The new designs make sure that women and pregnant people have a positive experience throughout their pregnancy, birthing and postnatal journey”, she said.
“I was pleased to see plans that support breastfeeding, whānau involvement, privacy and improved support for those with complications or experiencing loss”.
The redesign will improve and increase the physical space available in the maternity outpatient areas, birthing and postnatal care, and special care for babies.
“This important project will enable the service to continue to implement significant improvements made to maternity services over the past 18 months”, said Chief Executive Fionnagh Dougan.
“The new facilities will improve outcomes for people across the wider region and create an inclusive, modern and quality environment for all pregnant persons, babies and their whānau.
“This work is part of a wider review and strategic planning process that achieves equitable and optimal outcomes and experiences. The hospital setting is only one part of the equation and we are also focused on improving equity and outcomes for Māori, Pacific and other families whose needs are not always met by traditional models of care.”
The project comes after Hutt Valley Maternity services has reached milestones in recruitment, resourcing, environment, clinical improvements, quality, safety and culture.
