Biloela couple Jyoti and Vishal Bajpai are celebrating the safe arrival of their baby boy, Viraj, thanks to the seamless care provided by Central Queensland Hospital and Health Service.
The couple, who moved to Australia three months ago, expressed their gratitude for the warm welcome and care they received from CQ Health’s Midwifery Group Practice, a continuity of care model provided by a team of midwives across Biloela, Gladstone and Rockhampton hospitals.
During the final months of her pregnancy, Jyoti received attentive antenatal support at Biloela Hospital, thanking midwives Sally, Fatuma and Danielle, who ensured she was well-prepared for the arrival of her first child.
When labour began, the couple were similarly impressed with the care provided at Biloela Hospital’s emergency department, thanking Dr Rizwan Shah, midwife Kim and the entire ED team.
After a thorough assessment, Jyoti was supported to travel to Gladstone Hospital by ambulance, arriving in just over an hour.
“The paramedics and Alanah, who accompanied me in the ambulance, were just wonderful. Alanah took my hand and was there for me the whole way,” Jyoti said.
As labour progressed throughout the day at Gladstone Hospital, Jyoti was cared for by a team of midwives and Dr. Ranga Rajapakse who were present in the birth suite when Viraj was born.
“They were all my cheerleaders and the best midwives,” Jyoti said. “We feel very lucky to have been cared for by such a supportive team.”
CQ Health Chief Executive Lisa Blackler congratulated Jyoti and Vishal and thanked them for sharing their wonderful news.
“Our dedicated teams work tirelessly to ensure Central Queensland families are given first-class care, so it’s lovely when they are thanked for making a difference.
“We recognise the community is awaiting the return of birthing services to Biloela Hospital and we are all working hard to achieve this.
“Biloela Hospital is an ageing facility and a recent review identified there are some minor upgrades to be undertaken in the operating theatre.
“Queensland Health is fast tracking a final review of the space and has pre-engaged a principal design consultant to design the works required to meet current standards. It is anticipated the works will be completed in late 2024, subject to supply chain and contractor availability.
“While this work is done, we continue with our recruitment efforts to attract General Practitioners with Obstetric skills and General Practitioners with Anaesthetic skills to enable a safe and sustainable roster to support the resumption of usual birthing services.
“Without an appropriate level of staffing, we cannot operate a service without exposing expectant mothers and their babies to an unacceptable risk and we will not do that to Biloela families.
“As highlighted by Jyoti and Vishal, outstanding pre-natal and post-natal care is being provided in Biloela as normal and we closely monitor expectant mothers to ensure they are cared for in the most appropriate place for their baby’s birth.
“I would like to join them in thanking our staff for their unwavering commitment to delivering the best possible patient care.”