Temporary labour ward opens at NRH
PS of Health and Medical Services, Dr Tenneth Dalipanda handing overthe keys to Dr Chris Dereveke.
The National Referral Hospital in Honiara has today opened a new temporary labour ward within the hospital’s Gynecology ward.
Officially opening the ward, Permanent Secretary of Health and Medical Services, Dr Tenneth Dalipanda said life began at birth.
“Life starts in this room and many people’s lives will start here and we all play different roles along the life course of human beings,” he said.
“I would like to thank you the NRH staff, executive, to recognize that importance by ensuring that this building is completed and we make sure that if life has a good start here then we will have a brighter future.”
A delivery bed inside one of the new rooms.
The original labour ward closed in June because of concerns raised by staff over the dilapidated state of the labour ward rooms and staff being forced into unhygienic practices because of overcrowded rooms.
Meanwhile, speaking on behalf of the Hospital Chief Executive Officer, Dr Jagilly Rooney urged the hospital staff to take care of the new facility.
Inside the new facility.
He urged the hospital staff to look after the facility well as it must be a place for mothers to be comfortable with.
“This is where you’re going to spend most of your day. At your home you cook, eat and then sleep and return to work the next day,” he said.
“This is going to be your second home so we ask that you help to look after this facility as a places where mothers and patients coming would admire.”
It is currently unclear when, or if, a new permanent labour ward will be built.