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Thames Birthing Unit back on track
Thames Birthing Unit back on track
Construction of a primary birthing unit in Thames is all go again with Jennian Homes Coromandel selected for the job.
The announcement comes after Waikato DHB put construction on hold in February because of over-priced tenders and a projected budget blowout.
Health Waikato chief operating officer Jan Adams said this forced the DHB to review the project and the work involved.
"This is very good news for women in the Thames Coromandel area. When we put the project on hold in February it was because the prices we got back from tender were far too high. We needed to review the project specifications and the scope of work involved. We had a budget approved by the board and we had no intention of blowing that budget so I'm pleased we've been able to work with a local builder to get this result.
"This will be a primary birthing unit for natural, low-risk births under midwifery care. The unit will not offer medical interventions like epidurals or caesarean sections. We have support from the College of Midwives who are going to help us with education for women around primary birthing. They will give us examples of successful models and options and will help us work towards them."
Waikato DHB announced in 2008 that it would construct the unit after a survey found that more than 90 per cent of women would give birth in Thames if there were a new primary birthing facility.
Currently the only birthing facility in the Thames-Coromandel region is inside Thames Hospital, in old, adapted ward space that lacks privacy and ensuite facilities.
Jennian Homes Coromandel director Stephen Trebilco said they are delighted to work with Waikato DHB to design and build this much-needed resource for the Thames – Coromandel community.
“The birth of a child is a special time for families. The new birthing unit will provide a safe space for women to deliver their babies, with all the comforts of home and room for the whole family to share those first precious days.
“Jennian Homes’ experience and expertise makes us the perfect partner for this project, where creating a relaxed, homely environment is so important,” he said.
Construction at 412 Mary St will start in June with enabling works including relocating carparks to start immediately.
Inside Thames Birthing Unit:
Three bedrooms for postnatal stay
Two
birthing rooms
Birthing pool
Breastfeeding room
Patient lounge
Outdoor areas.
Each bedroom and birthing
room will have its own ensuite.
ENDS
Waikato District Health Board
Healthy People. Excellent Care
Waikato District Health Board (DHB) employs over 6500 people and plans, funds and provides hospital and health services to more than 391,770 people in a region covering eight per cent of New Zealand.
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