SAMUEL Miller-Atkins’ arrival into the world was cause for celebration, not only for his family but all expecting mothers in the Southern Downs area.
Baby Samuel was born on Sunday 21 September at 2.15pm in the new birthing suite at the Stanthorpe Hospital, weighing a healthy three kilograms to proud parents Melissa Miller and James Atkins.
He was the first baby to be born in the new $1.1million state-of-the-art refurbished suites.
The two rooms feature ensuites, telehealth capabilities, a birthing pool and a more homely atmosphere.
Last Friday, Minister for Health Lawrence Springborg officially opened the new facility, congratulating the Darling Downs Hospital and Health Board (DDHHB) and local community groups for their efforts.
Mum Melissa said she had hoped to deliver her first baby in the new area.
“We had looked through the suite during our antenatal clinics,” she said.
“At that time, they weren’t quite finished. I was hoping that by the time Samuel decided to come along that they would be open and available.
“We were just lucky that the timing was right. It was great to have the walk-in shower and new furnishings.”
Mr Springborg paid special tribute to director of Nursing Lesley Shannon and the team at Stanthorpe Hospital, and also the local Mothers United for Maternity Services Stanthorpe group, and the Community Consultative Committee, for their input during the process.
“The layout, furnishings and colour scheme in the rooms help to exude an atmosphere of calm and relaxation, which will be much appreciated by mothers having their babies here at Stanthorpe Hospital,” he said.
DDHHB chair Mike Horan said the refurbishment, which was funded through the health service’s surplus budget, provided “entirely new levels of privacy and comfort“.
