By Tate Papworth
Ruby Belle Rowan is one of the first babies delivered at Sunshine Hospital in 2019.
Parents Gabriella and Cory Rowan welcomed their first daughter last Tuesday afternoon.
Cory, said it was an exciting time for the couple and their three-year-old son, Isaac.
“We’re absolutely thrilled to welcome our first daughter,” he said.
“Isaac is very excited to be a big brother and has promised to look after her.”
Ruby is one of the first of many children set to be born at Sunshine Hospital this year with the Joan Kirner Women and Children’s Hospital scheduled to open in May.
The $200 million building will significantly bolster the hospital’s maternity capabilities through the addition of 237 beds in new and refurbished accommodation, 20 maternity delivery rooms, 39 special care nursery cots, four theatres and additional clinics.
Last year, staff at the hospital delivered more than 5000 babies, including a number of months in which more than 500 babies were born.
The high number of births meant that the hospital’s infrastructure and staff were pushed to the limit.
The new hospital will allow for more than 7000 births a year, alleviating the strain.
