In an exciting step for Women's and Children's Services in the region, the North West Regional Hospital (NWRH) has officially renamed its maternity and children's wards.
The maternity ward has now been renamed niyakara (nee-ah-ka-rah) meaning 'to dream' in palawa kani, and the children's ward will now officially be known as the Wombat Ward, or prupilathina (pru-pi-lah-ti-nah) in palawa kani, with the change welcomed by staff and patients.
Minister for Health and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Jacquie Petrusma, said the Tasmanian Government is committed to providing safe, positive, and welcoming spaces in our hospitals for new parents and children through our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania's Future.
"The renaming of the children's ward is the outcome of a collaborative process between staff, health leaders and most importantly, children and young people who have accessed paediatric services and participated in workshops to share their ideas and experiences," Minister Petrusma said.
"As part of this consultation, 'Wombat Ward' was chosen to be the name of the children's ward at the NWRH.
"Importantly, it is part of our ongoing commitment to strengthening child safety and wellbeing across our hospitals and health settings by ensuring the most welcoming environment."
Renaming of the maternity ward was decided via a public vote, open to staff and members of the community, and follows the successful transition of North West maternity services from the North West Private Hospital to the Tasmanian Health Service.
"A plaque to commemorate the renamed maternity ward has been created on Tasmanian Huon pine to acknowledge the history of service delivery in partnership with the North West Private Hospital when the ward was named Huon Ward," Minister Petrusma said.
"We wish to thank all staff and Tasmanians living in the North West who have been a valuable part of renaming both wards, and for their continued support in strengthening our health services for women and children in the region."
