By Tate Papworth
The wait is finally over.
At 9.22am last Wednesday, parents Lauren Mikhael and Edwin Baez welcomed a little girl into the world.
The bub will forever hold a special place in western suburbs history as the first baby born at the Joan Kirner Women’s and Children’s Hospital.
More than 150 women, children, babies and about 200 staff members were moved into the hospital as part of a meticulously planned operation that took about four hours.
The move also involved 24 babies in special care nursery cots.
Health Minister Jenny Mikakos said it was a momentous day.
“The cutting-edge hospital is now complete … and local families are set to benefit from the very best in maternity and paediatric care,” she said.
“Today’s move has required an enormous co-ordination and I’m so grateful to our hard-working hospital staff for making it all run smoothly.”
The state-of-the art hospital includes 20 maternity delivery rooms, 237 beds, 39 special care nursery cots, four theatres and additional clinics.
It comprises nine floors, has more floor space than the MCG and was made with enough concrete to fill nearly four Olympic-size swimming pools.
St Albans MP Natalie Suleyman said the hospital had changed the face of healthcare in the west.
“The Joan Kirner Women’s and Children’s Hospital is a big boost for our community and for local families,” she said. “Thousands of mums will be able to have their baby and ensure they get the treatment and care they need.”
