A special birthing room has opened at Northern Hospital to give Koori women a culturally safe and inclusive space to give birth.
The room, which opened last month, was created at the request of families.
Northern Health chief executive Siva Sivarajah said families using the hospital’s Koori maternity service had identified the need for a birthing room that was in keeping with their culture.
“We wanted to create a space that paid respect to the traditional custodians of the land that our hospital resides on – the Wurundjeri people – and a room that will be part of the Wurundjeri future,” he said.
Hospital staff, patients, Wurundjeri elders and community were given the opportunity to have input into the creation of the new room.
Mr Sivarajah said it is hoped the Koori maternity service will improve birth outcomes for Koori families in the north, and ensure their connection with local health services are something special.
“By providing a holistic and culturally appropriate service, the Koori maternity service is changing lives, improving health and wellbeing, and strengthening Northern Health’s connections with our diverse community,” he said.
