Redland Hospital's maternity ward has marked its 25th anniversary with a special celebration that included the birth of baby Spencer, cared for by Bayside locals and recent midwifery graduates Candice Lancaster and Natalia Frick.
As the future of midwifery at the hospital, Candice and Natalia have been busy looking after baby Spencer and his doting mum Siriprapa (Siri) Stewart, highlighting the hospital's commitment to delivering family-centred care closer to home.
“Even though my birth was a little difficult, it was a good experience,” Siri said.
“The staff at Redland Hospital are so lovely and caring. I am learning together with baby Spencer,” she said.
Siri, who moved to Australia five years ago with her partner, is part of the diverse community Redland Hospital serves and there’s sure to be plenty of video calls with her family in Thailand.
Candice and Natalie, both recent graduates, said joining Redland Hospital’s maternity team had been fantastic.
“We have rotated through different areas,” they said. “Imagine if we are here for the next 25 years and beyond?”
Midwifery Unit Manager Regan Johnson said one of the key changes since the unit’s opening was that women now had more choice in their birthing options.
“Women now have access to midwifery-led care as well as traditional options,” she said.
“With recent upgrades, water births are now accessible, alongside community care through our antenatal clinics.”
Retired midwife Trish Cottle, who was present at the opening of the unit, said Redland Hospital started with a few suites and had expanded to accommodate the growing needs of the community.
“Initially sick babies were transferred to the Mater at South Brisbane,” she said.
“As more babies were born, the hospital expanded and we could offer home visits by midwives.
“All the staff were a part of a big work family and looked after each other, and they continue to do so.”
You can learn more about Redland Hospital maternity online.