Welcome to Gold Coast Private Maternity
At Gold Coast Private, we recognise that each of our expectant mothers have different needs and expectations.
Every birth is unique and each journey is a personal one.
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 throughout the process, every step of the way.
We are dedicated to providing you with a personalised experience in a nurturing environment while offering a full range of services to support you through pregnancy, birth and into motherhood.
Our caring and highly skilled team of health professionals, including midwives, obstetricians and pediatricians, will work together to ensure that you have a safe and memorable experience.
Simply ask your general practitioner to refer you to a Gold Coast Private Hospital accredited obstetrician.
After you have booked an appointment with your obstetrician, we ask that the online admission form be filled out as soon as possible. Once the online eAdmission is completed one of our staff members will be in contact with you to arrange a 20 week midwife appointment at the hospital.We also recommend you contact your health fund to determine your insurance entitlements.
For more information please contact our Maternity Unit Manager: Karen Langford on (07) 5532 6444 or karen.langford@healthscope.com.au
Private Health Insurance
If you have private health insurance cover, we suggest you contact your health fund to confirm that your admission is covered and if there are any co-payments that may apply to this admission.
Please remember to notify the hospital if your fund details change.
Check with your fund at least three months prior to your due date whether you need to add your baby to the fund prior to the expected date of birth.
To help ensure that your expectations are met, our caring and highly skilled team of health professionals will help you achieve those goals by providing the best possible care for you, your baby and your family.
We can provide support in so many ways:
- Personalised booking
- Tours of the maternity unit
- Preparation for parenthood classes
- Parent education
- Experienced, caring midwives and clinical staff
- Modern surroundings
- Private rooms where your partner can share with you and your new baby
- Paediatricians are available upon consultation with your obstetrician
- A fully-equipped special care nursery at hand for emergencies.
Visiting Hours
We encourage you to visit your family or friends at Allamanda Private Hospital. In doing so, please be mindful of other patients in the hospital and ensure your visiting hours are kept within the times allocated below:
Partners or support persons are welcome at all times.
All other visitors may visit between 3pm to 8pm and are asked to be considerate to new mothers and babies.
Coffee Shop
Hudsons Coffee is located on the Lobby Level of the Hospital and offers fresh flowers, newspapers, magazines, chocolates and sweets.
Opening hours:
- Monday to Friday between 7.00am and 6.45pm
- Saturday and Sunday between 8.00am and 4.00pm
All visitors must report to the nurses’ station prior to visiting. There is a limit of two visitors at a time in the ICU and please check with the nurse regarding children visiting.
Public Transport
Regular bus and tram services operate along the main road with nearest bus and tram stops being University Station, about a 2 minute walk from the main entrance of our hospital. Timetables and route details are available at our hospital reception. Reception staff will be happy to call you a taxi if required.
For more information and to plan your journey please visit the Translink Journey Planner.
- Bus – 704, 709, 710, 719, 738 (University Station)
- Above will connect you with train services at Helensvale Station
- Tram – Tram leaves Gold Coast University Station every 15 minutes
- Train – The closest train station is Helensvale Station, about a 30 minute bus journey. Use one of the following connecting buses to complete your journey, bus 704, 709, 710, 719.
Parking
Parking is available on-site in our multistory car park.
The multistory car park operates a fully automated ticket system.
Smoke Free Campus
From 1 January 2015, smoking is banned at all Queensland public and private hospitals and health facilities, and for five metres beyond their boundaries. The legislation which was introduced on 1 January 2015 is the Health Legislation Amendment Bill 2014 to Part 8 of the Amendment of Tobacco and Other Smoking Products Act 1998.
These no smoking laws apply at all times, and to all staff and patient residential areas on healthcare facility land, and include the use of all smoking products, including regular cigarettes and devices commonly known as electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes).
The laws cover:
- Land on which any Queensland Health Hospital and Health Service provides health services, including hospitals, community health centres, health clinics, rehabilitation centres and residential aged care facilities
- Land on which a private health facility (private hospitals and day hospitals) provides services.
Enforcement
The laws are enforced by Queensland Health environmental health officers and public facility authorized officers.
Patients, staff or visitors smoking in smoke-free areas may be given a warning to stop smoking, or be asked to move beyond the 5 metre smoke-free buffer if they wish to continue smoking.
On-the-spot fines apply for breaches of the tobacco laws.
Please visit the Smoke Free Campus website for more information.
Your stay
The birth suites are fitted with state-of-the-art technology, including K2 fetal monitoring systems, and provide a variety of resources that can be used during childbirth including a bath for water immersion, birth balls, mats and stools.
The suites also have a kitchenette where support people can make beverages and snacks.
At Gold Coast Private, we take the safety and security of your baby seriously. As part of the security provided to your baby, we require a passport sized photo of the mother and significant other. This will be attached to the baby’s cot card. These are returned to you when your baby goes home. We ask that you supply these photos when you have your appointment with the midwife in week 20.
Your baby will have two identifications bands on after birth. The information on these identification bands is checked with you and your support person and contains:
- Mother’s name e.g. Smith Baby Off (B/O) Mary
- Date of baby’s birth
- Time of birth
- Gender
- Mother and baby’s hospital identifier number
Please notify staff if the either of these bands falls off so that a new one can be reapplied. These bands will be checked with the mother’s bands if for some reason the mother and baby have been separated and the baby is returned. Partners/support person will wear a green arm band whilst the woman is in hospital. If the baby is in special care nursery a green arm band will be given to both mother and partner.
Going home
It is the law in Australia that all children are restrained according to height and age when travelling by car. The restraint should meet the Australian and New Zealand Standards. Ensure that your baby’s car seat is installed prior to your due date.
Child Restraint Laws
Staff identification
All hospital staff will wear photo identification, including your doctor whilst on hospital grounds.
Healthscope Identification Policy states that parents should:
- Never leave your baby/child in your room alone. Ask a nurse/family member to supervise your baby/child. This includes when you leave the room to shower.
- Do not hand your child over to anyone that you do not know.
- Request to see staff identification if you do not know the staff member.
- Question why an unfamiliar staff member may be in your room.
- Keep your baby’s bassinette/cot away from the door leading out of your room
Cot safety
Always have your cot lying flat. When walking around the ward, please ensure that your baby is placed in the cot.
Safe infant sleeping
- Place your baby on their back to sleep
- Place your baby in the cot when you and your baby are sleeping
- Leave your baby’s head uncovered
- Do not place toys, including soft toys in the cot
- Avoid the use of bumper, doona and pillows
- Keep baby in a smoke free environment.
It is Gold Coast Private Hospital’s policy to encourage breast feeding on demand and 'rooming in', in accordance with the recommendations of the World Health Organisation.
Our highly experienced midwives will assist you with all aspects of feeding and post natal care.
However, we respect the right of each mother to determine how she wishes to feed her baby.
We ask mothers to arrange their departure prior to 10:00 am on the day of discharge as this assists with accommodation for incoming patients.
It’s normal for new mothers to feel a little anxious about taking baby home.
Remember, we’re here to help 24 hours a day. If you have any concerns when you arrive home,you can always talk to one of our experienced midwives in the ward.
Contact the midwives by phone the hospital on 07 5591 9400.
Child restraints
Before discharge we will provide you with the relevant community services available to you.
It is the law in Australia that all children are restrained according to height and age when travelling by car.
The restraint should meet the Australian and New Zealand Standards.
Ensure that your baby’s car seat is installed prior to your due date.
Please call the maternity ward before you come into hospital so we can prepare for your arrival.
It can be difficult to tell when labour has started but you are welcome to call the maternity ward 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 ward to determine how far labour has progressed. You will be assessed and advised whether to stay home or come to hospital.
During your pregnancy, it is important to contact your obstetrician or the maternity ward 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
It is also important to contact your obstetrician if you have any concerns about your baby’s movements.
As always, in the event of a medical emergency please call 000.
Please contact us if you have any worries or concerns regarding your pregnancy on 07 5532 6444.
For any other health issues unrelated to your pregnancy please contact your general practitioner.
When you arrive
The main entry point to the hospital for maternity is always via the main entrance. Your partner may park in one of the designated drop off car spaces, accessed via the main entrance to the hospital on Hill Street. Once parked, please proceed directly to the maternity ward on level one. As these spaces are for short term parking only, your car will need to be moved to the multistorey car park once you are settled in the birthing suites.
The main entrance will be locked during after-hours, please use the intercom to gain access. Enter and walk pass reception, proceed along the corridor to the lifts. Take the lift to the Maternity Ward on level one, turn left out of the lifts and a midwife or clerical person will meet you and escort to the Birthing Suites. If you are in strong labour please advise the midwives prior to your arrival and you will be met at the main entrance.
If you are booked for an elective caesarean section, please present to Maternity for admission.
If you are booked for an induction, please present to Maternity for admission
Where to next?
Once your baby is born, you will move into a private room on the ward. Your baby will stay with you unless they are being cared for in our special care nursery. Your partner/support person is also welcome to stay with you in your room. Our experienced team will assist you with caring for your baby.
During your stay, you will have access to an ‘on-demand’ menu for snacks and parents will be treated to a celebratory, three-course dinner designed by executive chef John O’Shea who has spent 20 years in kitchens of five-star resorts. You will also have full access to all of our services and amenities including a kitchenette and lounge room for parents and their visitors to spend time in. Check out a full list of facilities here.
Following a vaginal birth, mothers can expect to stay for three to four nights however this will be determined according to your individual needs. Following a caesarean section, mothers can expect to stay for four to five nights.
The maternity ward features 25 private rooms with ensuites.
Antenatal and postnatal rooms feature either a double bed or single bed with a sofa bed for added comfort for support persons wishing to stay overnight.
The ward has a lounge area and kitchenette, and a dedicated area for baby bathing and education.
Gold Coast Private Maternity takes a holistic approach to childbirth and offers a variety of options for learning. In addition to antenatal classes, there is opportunities to learn from preconception, to birth and beyond with classes in mindfulness, breastfeeding, first aid for parents and yoga.
Mothers can arrange classes through our experienced midwives who will also be available to discuss concerns, refer to services, help with anxiety issues and facilitate visits to the ward.
Please note: A general tour of the maternity unit is included in the antenatal classes.
For more information please contact our Nurse Unit Manager:
-
Karen Langford on (07) 5532 6444 or karen.langford@healthscope.com.au
You are welcome to stay with your partner overnight to provide assistance and support.
Our rooms are designed to cater for an overnight stay and provide either a double bed or sofa bed. We are unable to guarantee an exact room-type but will endeavor to ensure that you are comfortable.
If you wish to stay overnight please note the following:
- Please notify the midwife or nurse caring for you. In the event of an emergency we need to know exactly who is in the maternity ward.
- Please remember to dress appropriately. Suitable night attire can be worn in the evenings but day clothing must be worn at all other times.
- Remember to wear footwear whilst walking around the ward or throughout the hospital.
- Please remember that you are in a hospital and a midwife, nurse or staff member may enter your room at any time during the day or night.
- Other children are not allowed to stay overnight under any circumstances.
- Meals and drinks can be provided at a cost. Please pay for these meals at reception when ordering the meal.
- Mobile phones may be used in your room but should not be used in the corridors.
Staying overnight is a great opportunity to assist your partner and develop your relationship as a family.
The nursery has nine special care cots for premature babies 32 weeks and over and a team of highly specialised nursing staff with paediatric support.
Mothers are given the opportunity to be with their baby 24 hours a day and are assisted with skin-to-skin contact, breastfeeding and expressing.
For Mothers:
- Antenatal pregnancy record
- All current medication
- Camera
- Cash and change
- Cell phone and charger
- Casual wear for daytime
- Extra bag or two for transporting extra’s home
- Footwear
- Hair care products – hair ties, hair clips brush etc
- Music and magazines- bring music that you like listening too on your iPod
- Medicare card
- Night wear
- Notepaper and pen
- Nursing supplies – maternity bra’s if choosing to breastfeed
- Personal contact list
- Pillow – bring your own pillow into hospital with a special pillow case
- Toiletries – deodorant, shampoo, body wash etc.
- Toothpaste and toothbrush for you and your support person
- Three to four packets of maternity pads
- Watch.
For Baby:
- Outfit for going home
- Car seat installed in car for travel home
Your welcome to bring in clothes and wraps for your baby.
Nappies and wipes are supplied.
Our doctors
Dr Tina FlemingObstetrician & GynaecologistBSci(Med), MBBS(Hons), MReprodMed, FRANZCOG Dr Tina Fleming is an experienced obstetrician and gynaecologist with a special interest in endometriosis and minimally invasive surgery. She is an honours graduate from The University of Sydney and began her specialty training in obstetrics and gynaecology at the Gold Coast Hospital in 2007. Since commencement, she has garnered experience in tertiary hospitals in both Queensland and New South Wales. Dr Fleming was awarded the competitive position of laparoscopic fellow at Royal Prince Alfred and spent two years furthering her complex gynaecological surgical skills prior to her return to the Gold Coast as a staff specialist in 2012. In her role at the Gold Coast University Hospital (GCUH) she is favoured by registrars for being a source of contemporary, evidence-based information and her ability to provide advanced surgical training. Obstetrics was Dr Fleming’s first professional passion and in addition to her gynaecological interests, she has continued to hone her skills in the management of complex pregnancies and deliveries. As a reflection of her affable personality in addition to her ability, she is frequently requested to provide care for hospital staff members and their families. An active academic, Dr Fleming is involved in the newly-created Centre for Women’s and Newborn’s Research at the GCUH. She has multiple publications as first author in peer-reviewed journals and has presented her research at national and international meetings. Her ongoing commitment to teaching and learning is demonstrated by her recent attainment of a Masters in Reproductive Endocrinology from the University of NSW. Dr Fleming is a proud founding member of Grace Private, an all women’s O&G practice which seeks to provide quality, holistic patient care. The group will offer comprehensive women’s health services, and are set to occupy a prime location in the new Gold Coast Private premises upon its opening in March 2016. In the meantime, she will graciously accept referrals through temporary rooms at Pacific Private in Southport. |
Dr Catherine MillsObstetrician & GynaecologistLLB(Hons), BSc, MBBS, FRANZCOG
Born on the Gold Coast, Dr Mills completed degrees in medicine and surgery at University of Queensland in 2005. After commencing her medical career at the Mater Mothers Hospital and completing her Diploma of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (DRANZCOG), she embarked on obstetrics and gynaecology specialist training at the Gold Coast, Toowoomba and Mater Mothers Hospitals. Dr Mills has gained particular obstetric skills during her training and also offers a wide range of services relating to women’s health. She confidently offers choice in birth options and is keen to work with the parents for the most fulfilling outcome possible. Dr Mills consults in the area of general gynaecology including disorders of menstruation, cervical abnormalities, prolapse and incontinence. She offers both office and operative gynaecological procedures. Dr Mills has three daughters and embraces her role as a mother as much as an obstetrician. She is a proud founding member of Grace Private, an all women’s O&G practice which seeks to provide quality, holistic patient care. The group will offer comprehensive women’s health services, and are set to occupy a prime location in the new Gold Coast Private premises upon its opening in March 2016. In the meantime, she will graciously accept referrals through temporary rooms at Pacific Private in Southport. |
Dr Adriana OlogObstetrician & GynaecologistMBBS, FRANZCOG
She has trained at the Mater Hospital, Centre for Maternal Fetal Medicine which has an excellent reputation as one of the leading centres in the country. She is pleased to offer obstetric services incorporating high level USS alongside obstetric and early pregnancy care, early diagnostic USS and procedures and pregnancy monitoring for complex pregnancies. Dr Olog works as part of a team with a multidisciplinary approach allowing comprehensive and contemporary evidence-based care to patients of her group practice, Grace Private. Dr Olog graduated from University of Queensland in 1999 before beginning her speciality training in Queensland and New South Wales and becoming a fellow of the College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. She is actively engaged in the training and supervision of current registrars and fellows at the GCUH and has research interests in the mechanisms of labour and the applicability of fetal medicine in general obstetric practice. Dr Olog has a special interest in the management of high risk and complex pregnancy, high level ultrasound diagnosis and fetal therapy, early pregnancy counselling and management of complex pregnancy, previous genetic conditions and fetal anomalies as well as pregnancies in women with complex medical conditions. Dr Olog is a proud founding member of Grace Private, an all women’s O&G practice which seeks to provide quality, holistic patient care. The group will offer comprehensive women’s health services, and are set to occupy a prime location in the new Gold Coast Private premises upon its opening in March 2016. In the meantime, she will graciously accept referrals through temporary rooms at Pacific Private in Southport. |
Dr Tania WidmerObstetrician & GynaecologistMBChB, MMED, FCOG, FRANZCOG
Born in Switzerland, she graduated from the University of Stellenbosch, South Africa in 1999 and after obtaining her Fellowship in obstetric and gynaecology with honours, relocated to Queensland to commence work at the Mater Mother’s Hospital in Brisbane in 2008. Since 2010, Dr Widmer has worked as a specialist at the Gold Coast University Hospital (GCUH) where she is actively involved in educating, mentoring and training medical students and junior doctors. She has now commenced private practice at Allamanda with a view to assist with the implementation and re-establishment of obstetric services at the Gold Coast Private Hospital in March 2016. Dr Widmer has a keen interest in optimising health prior to pregnancy and provides high quality and safe care for families. Her medical expertise along with her friendly, supportive and professional approach results in her patients feeling secure and cared for. Dr Widmer offers a full range of gynaecological procedures including colposcopy, investigations for infertility and assisted reproduction, laparoscopic surgery and vaginal surgery. Dr Widmer is married with a daughter and loves the outdoors. She is a proud founding member of Grace Private, an all women’s O&G practice which seeks to provide quality, holistic patient care. The group will offer comprehensive women’s health services, and are set to occupy a prime location in the new Gold Coast Private premises upon its opening in March 2016. In the meantime, she will gladly accept referrals through temporary rooms at Pacific Private in Southport. |
Dr Donald AngstetraObstetrician & GynaecologistBSC (Med) MBBS, FRANZCOG, Conjoint Senior Lecturer Griffith University
Dr Angstetra is a consultant O&G staff specialist at Gold Coast University and Robina Hospitals and also a conjoint senior lecturer with Griffith University. He has a keen interest in developing and applying minimally invasive surgery for all benign diseases of the female reproductive tract and his passion for advanced gynaecological laparoscopic surgery see him fit the role as the training-site director of Australian Gynaecological Endoscopy Society (AGES) and as O&G training supervisor for RANZCOG training program. He has published multiple articles in peer reviewed journals and presented multiple papers at local, national and international meetings. He is fluent in Bahasa Indonesia, Malay and Chinese Hokkien and is a Medicover Gap Provider and does not charge patients a gap above what the health fund pays for surgery. Dr Angstetra offers a range of gynaecological services including office gynaecology, endometriosis, laparoscopic adnexa surgery, laparoscopic hysterectomy, laparoscopic pelvic floor repair, prolapse, infertility, contraception, fibroid, abnormal pap smear and chronic pelvic pain. |