Birthed from a legacy of nurturing care, families, midwives, and supporters gathered at Mackay Base Hospital for an afternoon soirée celebrating the stork's long-time landing pad, the Mackay Birth Centre.
Amidst memories and baby giggles, they embraced the past while eagerly anticipating the swag of changes ahead in the centre's evolution.
Chief executive Susan Gannon, leading the celebrations, praised the midwives and families for making the centre a cherished part of the community. But with change gestating for next year, plans are underway to ensure its legacy continues beyond its 'due date'!
About 50 people enjoyed a relaxing afternoon in the grounds of Mackay Base Hospital on Saturday to celebrate the legacy of the Mackay Birth Centre and prepare for the next chapter in its development.
The event was hosted by the Mackay Hospital and Health Service (HHS) in conjunction with the Friends of the Mackay Birth Centre, and attendees enjoyed afternoon tea and the sharing of memories, as well as face-painting and lawn games.
Mackay HHS chief executive Susan Gannon thanked birth centre midwives and families for their attendance.
“More than 3500 babies have been ushered into the world by our Mackay Birth Centre midwives over the past 29 years and this legacy of providing the women of our region with a safe and nurturing birthing option will continue,” Ms Gannon said.
“I want to congratulate the Friends of the Mackay Birth Centre for their passion and resilience as we work through the process together.”
The current Mackay Birth Centre facility, which has been through three earlier stages of development, will be removed to make way for the development of an additional wing of the hospital. Birth Centre clients will continue to receive care with their midwives in a dedicated space within the Women’s Health Unit, until a new birth centre is constructed off site from the Mackay Base Hospital.
Work on the $250 million expansion will commence early next year.
The Friends of the Mackay Birth Centre will create a book of birth centre experiences and memories ahead of the 30th anniversary of the service next year. Anyone interested in participating is asked to contact The Friends via email to friendsmackaybirthcentre@gmail.com
Attending the Mackay Birth Centre Celebration event last Saturday are, back from left, midwife Marion Fazakerley, Friends of Mackay Birth Centre representatives Nakia Watters and girls and Hayley Wilson, former midwives Rosie Refalo and Robyn Husband, Friends Annemaree Nolan and Karla Ball, midwife Donna Towers. Front from left are midwives Sarah Baker, Jaclyn Comin and Makenzie Falzon and former midwife Sue McPherson. Photo supplied: MHHS
MHH Board Deputy Chair Kerry Maley and MHHS CE Susan Gannon
Midwife Jaclyn Comin with birth centre bub Kian Shenfield
Sally and David Wood with daughters Phoebe and Imogen – born at the birth centre in 2003 and 2005
Community members gathered at Mackay Base Hospital to honour the Mackay Birth Centre's legacy and share cherished memories during a fun celebration
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