At Norwest Private, your family is our focus. Every birth is unique and each journey is personal. Our maternity team will work with you to understand your goals and provide the best possible care for you, your baby and your family.

We will support you every step of the way. Our highly skilled team of health professionals including midwives, obstetricians and paediatricians will work together to ensure that you have a safe and memorable experience.

For that added reassurance, Maternity is located within the Women’s Health Unit, situated in a separate wing of the hospital, creating a secure environment for both mothers and newborns.
 

Your partner is welcome

The support of your partner is so important, so we have a double bed or comfortable folding bed, to accommodate overnight stays. If your partner does spend the night, your baby will room-in with the two of you, encouraging bonding and building parenting skills. You can always lean on us for advice and we have some wonderful settling strategies, too. 

Please note that if you are to undergo a caesarean section, you’ll be allocated a single bed for your comfort and recovery. Once you are mobile, you’ll be moved to a double bed.
 

When to come to hospital

It can be difficult to tell when labour has started but you are welcome to call the maternity unit at any time and talk to one of our experienced midwives. Should you be experiencing strong signs of labour including regular contractions less than ten minutes apart, waters breaking or blood loss, please contact the maternity unit to determine how far labour has progressed. You will be assessed and advised whether to stay home or come to hospital.

Please make sure to always call the maternity unit before you come into hospital, so we can prepare for your arrival. Don’t hesitate to contact us 02 8882 8591 if you have any concerns regarding your pregnancy. We are always here to help.

Warning symptoms
During your pregnancy, it is important to contact the maternity unit without delay if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• Vaginal bleeding
• Ruptured membranes
• Continuous leaking of fluid
• Premature labour prior to 37 weeks
• Unusual or severe abdominal pain
• Blurred vision
• Dizziness
• Regular contractions

The midwives will contact your obstetrician and plan for you to come into the maternity unit. It is also important to contact the maternity unit if you have any concerns about your baby’s movements and, as always, in the event of a medical emergency, please call 000. For any other health issues unrelated to your pregnancy, contact your general practitioner.
 

What to bring to hospital

• Antenatal card (to Birthing Unit Midwife)
• Nightdresses (short) or pyjamas
• Dressing gown and slippers
• Nursing bras and absorbent breast pads (no plastic backing)
• Disposable or cotton briefs
• 2 packets of adhesive overnight/maternity sanitary pads
• Soap and toiletries
• Casual clothes to wear during the day
• Health fund card
• Cash for incidentals
• Pen, watch or travel clock

It is advisable to have a bag packed by 36 weeks.

What NOT to bring to hospital

• Hot water bottles
• Wheat heat packs (hospital will provide heat packs if required)
• Candles with naked flames

What to bring for your baby to wear home

• Baby nightgown/grow suit
• Baby singlet
• Baby wrapping blanket
• Jacket in winter
• The hospital will provide all that is required for baby during your stay, including clothes, nappies, body wash, bottles etc.

It is advised not to bring valuables e.g. jewellery, large sums of money or credit cards to hospital.
 

Arriving at the hospital

If arriving at 5.30am to 9.00pm, please enter the hospital via the main entrance and take the lift to level 2 (maternity floor) and follow the signs to Birth Suites.

Access after hours
Main hospital doors are locked automatically at 9.00pm each night. Access after this time is through the Emergency Department Reception area. If arriving after hours, park in front of the main entrance and gain access to the Birth Suites through the Emergency Department.
 

Parking

For convenience, a weekly pass can be purchased which will allow unlimited access for seven days from first entry. On the first day of parking, please take the parking ticket to the attendant for validation. Parking booth operates Monday to Friday 8.00am - 5.00pm and Saturday 9.00am - 2.00pm.

Note: Car parks on site are owned and operated independently of Norwest Private and are managed by Interpark.
 

Visitor restrictions due to COVID-19

[Last updated 4 July 2023]

Visiting hours:
(Hospital wide - including ICU and Maternity)

• 10am – 12pm
• 3pm – 8pm

All permitted visitors must:

• have had two doses of a recognised COVID vaccine (unless they have a medical exemption)
• not have tested positive to COVID-19 within the past 7 days
• not be a high-risk contact of someone who has had COVID-19 in the previous 14 days
• not have COVID-19 symptoms