Longreach couple begin their new year’s with their first born child
Longreach has welcomed its newest resident in little Thomas Elliot, with the bub marking the first birth at the town’s hospital in 2023.
Central Queensland
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Longreach has welcomed its newest resident in little Thomas Elliot, with the bub marking the first birth at the town’s hospital in 2023.
Born on January 3, Thomas was not only the first baby delivered in the Longreach Hospital’s maternity ward for the year, but is also the first child of parents Kirsten and Shane Elliott.
Ms Elliott spoke highly of her birthing experience at Longreach Hospital.
“I couldn’t have hoped for a better experience,’’ Ms Elliott said.
Acting director of nursing at Longreach Hospital, Susanne Bardon, said that the hospital always looked forward to the birth of the first newborn each year.
“It’s always exciting to be at work in the New Year, at a time of renewal and new starts,’’ Ms Bardon said.
“We have such a supportive specialist, medical and midwifery team here that can provide
holistic maternity services to the entire family during these challenging times.
“The maternity service midwifery staff are supported by allied health professionals and General Practitioners with specialist training in obstetrics.
“In addition to our Longreach Midwifery Group Practice midwives at the birthing unit, our Central West Health midwives also provide outreach ante and post-natal services throughout the region, as does our partner the Royal Flying Doctor Service.
“Our Child Health team also plays a big part in our comprehensive service.’’
Longreach Hospital is making strides to provide families like the Elliott’s with all the pre and post birthing services residents might need that bigger places such as Rockhampton and Brisbane don’t have to travel for in order to receive.
This includes three single-ensuite rooms, a birth suite, a maternity assessment room, a nursery, and an equipment room.
“Importantly, the birthing suite also allows space for family to be with a woman and the birthing team during the birth of a baby if they choose,’’ Ms Bardon said.
“We also have on-site accommodation at no cost at Longreach Hospital for women in the lead-up to giving birth from 36 weeks onwards.
“This is particularly convenient for women who live away from Longreach.”
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