Redesign of postnatal inpatient rooms
We have been busy redesigning our postnatal rooms on the maternity ward ahead of wider redevelopment work on the maternity ward in phase three. Our goal is to create comforting and tranquil spaces for postnatal and inpatient recovery.
The design includes warmer and less clinical colours, softer lighting, storage for parents and whānau, sunscreen roller blinds and textured curtains to provide privacy and an overall more homely feel.
The new design also includes elements such as foldaway beds, bespoke cabinetry and some double beds.
We have also worked to design and arrange furniture for partners, so that both parents can focus on bonding with their new pēpē. There are of course other changes and improvements planned in the wider redevelopment phases.
Progress is underway in postnatal rooms 1 and 2, with the installation of electrical cables, ceilings tiles and work in bathrooms. An acoustic consultant is providing advice on sound proofing to provide increased privacy and softer sound in the rooms. Once these rooms are completed, redevelopment work will commence on rooms 3-4, followed by 5-6.
Maternity Assessment Unit (MAU)
Work on the Maternity Assessment Unit has also begun, with construction set to be complete at the end of May. Demolition of old existing walls has been completed and framing of the new internal spaces has begun. Electrical and plumbing work is also underway.
Construction involves the creation of dedicated early pregnancy clinic rooms, a redeveloped waiting area with improved privacy and increased space to support to women/persons and whānau experiencing pregnancy loss.
The interim relocation of the MAU service to the first floor has successfully kept services in a centralised location close to the maternity wards, laboratory and ultrasound facilities.
Wider Maternity ward and SCBU redevelopment
The next stage is the final design-engineering paperwork of the Maternity Ward and Special Care Baby Unit to inform the building consent application and tender documents.
Regular updates will be provided as this work progresses.
We would like to thank our Hutt community and staff, for your continued support in helping us redesign our facilities.
