The hospital is staffed with experienced qualified Midwives. One Midwife per 8 hour shift over 24 hours.

Telephone / Cellphones

A free phone is provided for local calls (including Christchurch).  There is no pay phone available.  Cellphone may be used. Between 9pm - 7am we request they are on silent mode.  Please turn ring tone down whilst in the hospital to avoid disturbing others.

Meals

Food is wholesome and plentiful.

Breakfast: Approx 7.30am or when you awaken.  Cereal, Fruit,Toast and Spreads are available.

Dinner (Lunch) Approx 12.00 noon comprises salad, small sidedish, bread roll and fruit.

Evening Meal Approx 5.45pm  Menu has 3 choices one being vegetarian

All meal times can be flexible if you are busy attending to yourself or baby at the time. A dining area is available if you wish to socialise at meal times. Make us aware of any particular preferences or special dietary needs (Vegetarian, religious, cultural etc.)

Your partner may have a meal with you at very reasonable cost - please ask the staff.

Rest & Exercise

We encourage you to rest as much as possible. You will receive information on postnatal exercises to help strengthen your pelvic floor and abdominal muscles. You are encouraged to continue these at home. Feel free to walk about the grounds if weather permits . The outdoor furniture is for your use.

If desired a laundry sink is available for your hand washing of personal effects. Clothes dryers are available for patients use if needed.

CDHB has a smokefree policy. The policy states:

• Canterbury DHB buildings, grounds, vehicles are smokefree.

• No tobacco products are sold on CDHB premises.

• Systems within CDHB will be proactive in supporting patients, family / whanau to stop smoking.

The policy applies to all Canterbury DHB employees, patients, visitors, volunteers, students and contractors and everyone using CDHB as a place of work.