HELEN Smith was one of the first mums to transition to Cairns Hospital from Ramsay Private Hospital after the closure of their birthing service recently.
Ramsey Private Health Care was forced to shut the doors of its maternity services earlier in the year due to lack of staff.
Cairns Hospital then stepped in and took patients on board, one of whom was Helen Smith who recently gave birth.
Cairns Hospital midwife Martine Shanks has been coordinating the transition for local mums and first rang Helen in September to arrange her appointments and her care.
“Helen and her husband Justin came and had a tour of the maternity unit and birth suite in September and we met in person then,” Martine said.
“Our priority is, and always will be, the women.
“I’ve been working to keep women and their partners well supported during the transition and well informed about their choices.”
Helen who is a student nurse, said she is very happy with her birthing experience at Cairns Hospital.
“I love how I was offered shared care with my obstetrician,” she said.
“There was open dialogue and collaboration between them and the hospital.”
Keep up with the latest news in Cairns and the Far North, and check out some of our top stories this week: Ergon erects safe passageway for possums and Leading Cairns Bank into the future.
