Newborn babies enjoying new hospital bathing room

Within days of being born, a new baby enjoys their first bath – a precious and special moment for families and new parents.

This is now a reality for parents at Canterbury Hospital after Canterbury League Club’s donation of $57,000 was put to good use to build a brand-new baby bathing room in their maternity ward.

“The Canterbury area has one of the highest birth rates in NSW – approximately 140 children are born at Canterbury Hospital each week. Previously we didn’t have a designated bathing room and babies were bathed in their bassinets next to their beds,” said Claire Devonport Maternity Unit Manager at Canterbury Hospital.

To create the bathing room, the former family/staff kitchen room in the maternity ward was repurposed and redesigned to include a large bath bench with space for two baths and extra cabinetry to store linen and towels.

A new kitchenette, with bar fridges, a microwave and new cabinetry, was relocated nearby for parents and staff to use.

“The new bathing room will also be used for parent education sessions, and with an emphasis on including new fathers, before they go home with their newborn. This is part of our strategy to encourage fathers to be actively involved in the care of their newborn,” said Claire.

“With so many babies being born at this hospital, this initiative will benefit many local families and Canterbury is proud to support it,” said George Coorey, Chairman of Canterbury League Club.