How can maternal services and facilities at CWM be improved for mothers?

The CWM Master Plan will include provisions for expanding the Maternity Unit, however, refurbishment such as roof changes and painting of the existing infrastructure are needed.

Minister for Health, Doctor Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu highlighted this during fijivillage Straight Talk interview with Vijay Narayan, when asked about the plan, as women go through traumatic experiences including unhygienic toilet and bathroom facilities at the CWM Maternity Unit.

Dr. Lalabalavu says while the initial plan was to expand the Maternity Unit, the projects were postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

He says one positive thing that the previous government did was to establish the Makoi Birthing Unit, which has effectively decentralised maternity services in the Suva-Nausori corridor.

When asked about improving cleaning services, the Minister says that a review of outsourced cleaning contracts is essential to ensure infection control guidelines are strictly followed to meet the required standards.

He adds that the corporate sector has adopted different wards to assist the government in improving services.

He says as the focus is to improve infrastructure upgrades, certain wards are always occupied and only smaller works can be done within those wards. Dr. Lalabalavu acknowledged the support they have received from both local and international religious organizations and individuals.

When asked about facilities at other hospitals, the Minister adds that the challenges are similar, with infrastructure improvements and human resource issues being key concerns.

Meanwhile, the master plan will be undertaken in three phases over the next several years and the first two phases will include a clinical services plan and a comprehensive options analysis to determine the best option for the hospital’s redevelopment.

The final phase will be the development of a detailed master plan and designs for a new hospital, which meets the Government’s vision of a modern, resilient, and patient-centred healthcare system and the requirements of potential partners to finance the construction phase.