First look inside Gosford Private Hospital’s new maternity ward as first baby is born

The brand new luxury maternity ward at Gosford Private Hospital is up and running as the first baby is born. See what it offers here.

It’s a luxurious twist on a maternity ward – from immersion baths and monsoon showers to dedicated partner accommodation.

Gosford Private Maternity Services has opened its state of the art new ward at Gosford Private Hospital.

The new ward is part of the hospital’s $32m expansion which also includes 12 theatres, additional beds and an expanded day surgery unit.

New maternity ward opens at Gosford Private Hospital with a luxurious feel.

The level 2 Neonatal Special Care Nursery.

Maternity Unit Manager Robyn Gasparotto said the maternity ward opened on Monday morning, with the official opening scheduled for May 6.

“The whole team is thrilled, and there’s a real sense of pride, teamwork and accomplishment,” she said.

The ward is the only private dedicated maternity unit on the coast and includes 12 “plush” post-natal suites including pull down Murphy Beds, along with three spacious birthing units including an immersion bath, monsoon shower and partner accommodation.

There is also a level 2 Neonatal Special Care Nursery which takes babies from 32 weeks, day unit, along with a team of 12 obstetric, paediatric and neonatology experts.

Partner beds are included.

The ward has opened this week.

“We have been able to design it around families and their comfort,” Ms Gasparotto said. “Thing like having partners stay with you is something that wasn’t around years ago and we have partner beds in all of the rooms.

“Yes it’s glamorous and luxurious but it’s for the families. It was built with the families’ comfort in mind. That’s when hospitals get it right.”

She said staff had a say in the design and there was also consumer engagement.

“We had surveys on whether people would prefer carpet in rooms, so there’s carpets in our new rooms,” she said.

“We took on the feedback. This is definitely one of the proudest moments in my career, I am really proud of the team.”

Kurt and Cassie Cheadle welcomed their first baby – the first to be born at Gosford Private Hospital's new maternity ward. Picture: InBloom Photography

Kurt and Cassie Cheadle welcomed their first baby this week – the first to be born in the new maternity ward.

Indiana came into the world at 12.50am on Tuesday and mum and dad couldn't be happier, not only with their gorgeous daughter but with every aspect of the new ward.

“Indiana is doing really well and we are loving it here,” Mr Cheadle told the Express.

“It’s really luxurious which is great. The best thing about it is the partner accommodation. You can actually sleep and aren't on a chair or on the floor. It’s one of those beds you pull out of the wall.”

Indiana was the first baby to be born on the new ward. Picture: InBloom Photography

He said Mrs Cheadle was in labour for 36 hours and gave birth in an immersion bath.

“She had a water birth which went really well and all the midwives were just amazing,” he said.

“Everyone was really excited for us. A lot of people are going to want to have their babies here.”