The Ramsay Way 2019 | 03 15
MATERNITY NEWS
Mum’s the word: dedicated theatre
opens to Greenslopes maternity patients
Women who give birth via caesarean section at Greenslopes Private Hospital
will now be able to use a purpose-built obstetrics operating theatre.
The new family-friendly space has been designed specifically for expectant mothers, to create
a more seamless transition when relocating from the maternity ward to the operating room.
Greenslopes Private Hospital CEO Chris Went said: “We are really pleased to be providing our
maternity patients with their own dedicated theatre. Historically, caesarean deliveries have
occurred in a different operating room located in the middle of our large theatre complex.”
“The opening of this facility will also streamline scheduling processes when it comes
to c-section deliveries, which is especially important during emergency situations.”
The new maternity theatre is conveniently located adjacent to the birthing suites and all
of the associated amenities on offer to the entire family.
A Greenslopes Private Hospital cardiologist with a keen eye for photography has helped
to beautify the operating room. A seascape photo, taken by Dr Anders Taylor, will be
printed on a wall to ensure a more relaxed, calming environment for expectant mothers.
End of an era for Westmead obstetrician
An obstetrician who has welcomed thousands of babies into the world has
attended his final delivery at Westmead Private Hospital.
Dr Andrew Pesce has retired from private obstetrics almost 20 years after he started
practising at the Sydney facility.
Dr Pesce said: “It has been a wonderful part of my life; it is not over yet, but it will certainly
be very different.”
The esteemed specialist was inspired to become a doctor by his own GP, who offered
personalised care to all his patients.
Dr Pesce said he enjoyed every aspect of medicine, but his decision to choose obstetrics
was made on the feeling of being able to help someone.
“As part of the training, you basically had to be with a woman in labour for six different births,
and you sat with her, and looked after her. For the first time, I felt like I was doing something
positive for someone,” Dr Pesce said.
In 1984, Dr Pesce became an intern and started his obstetrics training three years later
as a registrar in the Westmead area.
He joined Westmead Private Hospital when it opened in 2000 and since then has delivered
more than 7,000 babies.
“You need to treat your patients the same way you want your wife or daughter to be treated
if they were pregnant. That has always been my yard stick.”
Dr Pesce has been heavily involved in the medical industry while juggling his own career,
including previously holding the position of President of the Australian Medical Association.
He was also Clinical Director of Women's Health at Westmead and Chairman of the
Westmead Medical Staff Council.
“I have been very busy for a number of years. But I love writing so that is going to be one
of the non-medical interests I will pursue,” Dr Pesce said.
He is still practising private gynaecology services, seeing patients in rooms at Westmead
Private Hospital.
Family’s generosity provides photographic
memories at Mitcham Private Hospital
A new camera kit has been donated to Mitcham Private Hospital to be used
for creating photographic memories for families who experience stillbirths.
The gift came from Heartfelt, a volunteer organisation of professional photographers from
Australia and New Zealand who provide their services to grieving families free of charge.
Heartfelt received the camera kit donation from a woman called Bec Greenshaw, who lost
her baby six years ago when she was 38 weeks pregnant.
Bec was not sure about getting the photos taken until she received them. Her brother,
Gary McCabe, said the pictures have now become her most cherished memories.
“The photos keep his memory alive, through being able to see his face and features,”
Mr McCabe said.
The family has already donated cameras to two other hospitals through the Heartfelt organisation.
“It can be really hard to comprehend whether a family wants a visual memory, but at least you
can give them the choice, so they don’t regret it down the track,” Mr McCabe said.
Heartfelt founder and president Gavin Blue said: “Creating images for families showing their
love of their child is the core of what we do.”
Since 2009, the volunteer service has provided photographs for 9000 families in Australia
and New Zealand.