COMMUNICATIONS

Media Release - 09/02/2006

Weekend Closure of Burwood Birthing Unit

The Birthing Unit at Burwood Hospital will be closed temporarily this weekend to enable contractors to carry out planned work adjacent to the birthing suite.

The work is part of the Stage 2 Redevelopment Programme for Burwood Hospital which began last month, and involves the construction of four operating theatres, a ward and a special care unit.

“We are closing the Birthing Unit for the two days because the nearby work would potentially have made conditions unpleasant for anyone in the unit. A lot of noise is expected and there could be strong vibrations within the building during the driving of the sheet piles,” said Bryan Spinks, CDHB Site Redevelopment Manager.

The Birthing Unit will be closed to admissions from 8am Friday 10 February 2006 until 8am Monday 13 February 2006.

Lead Maternity Carers and women who have booked to give birth at the Burwood Birthing Unit have been informed of the weekend closure and advised of alternative arrangements.

“All women in the unit on Friday 10 February will either be discharged by that evening, or transferred to Christchurch Women’s Hospital for further care,” said Pauline Burt, General Manager Women’s and Children’s Health.

“We apologise for any inconvenience, but have decided on this course of action in the best interests of patient comfort and care.”

Ends.

Jocelyn Johnstone
Acting Communications Manager
027-284-3286