Nurses and midwives tour new Joan Kirner Women’s and Children’s Hospital

A group of 50 nurses and midwives from Sunshine Hospital had their very first look inside the new Joan Kirner Women’s and Children’s Hospital on Monday.

The tour group was led by Western Health CEO, Russell Harrison, and Member for St Albans, Natalie Suleyman. They welcomed staff to what will soon be their place of work, with construction of the new facility due to finish in the next two months, ahead of the planned opening in the middle of the year.

"Today marks the start of frontline staff starting to see the building, getting a sense of the space that’s in the building. It will be a major improvement in the environment for our women and paediatric patients – and indeed, for you our staff."

Russell Harrison, CEO, Western Health

A small group, including several nursing and midwifery staff, were also able to also tour the paediatric, neonatal and birthing suite areas on upper floors.

"There are high-dependency units across all the areas as well so even the sickest of patients can stay closer to home to receive their treatment rather than being sent out to other tertiary centres in the city," added Children’s Ward nurse, Rachel Brien.

The staff were particularly enthused with the light-filled clear open spaces of the new building. "It’s lovely and spacious. It’s really bright and open. I think it’s going to be a lovely addition to the west and it’s going to provide the best care for our families," said Clinical Practice Improvement Specialist, Janelle Parsons.

The visitors were informed of the design standards applied to the new facility, including a colour-coded floor layout with splashes of colour on white walls to assist staff and patients in finding their way around.

Learn more via our dedicated Joan Kirner Women’s and Children’s Hospital project page.