Toowoomba Maternity

Special care nursery


Our special care nursery

What is a special care nursery?

Some newborn babies need an extra bit of care to ensure they get the best start in life. They may be premature, have a low birth weight, are part of a multiple birth, or have health issues.

Health issues that often affect newborns and require admission to a special care nursery include jaundice, low blood sugar or temporary breathing problems.

Our special care nurseries look after these babies. We provide an environment that supports your baby’s optimum growth and development. Care is tailored to the needs of each baby to ensure the best possible outcome. 

Your baby may need to spend a few hours to a few days (or maybe longer) being monitored closely in the special care nursery until the staff are confident that your little one is thriving and ready to face the outside world.

Mater Special Care Nursery

Can I still see my baby?

In our special care nursery, you can see your baby as often and for as long as you like and the staff will encourage you to have plenty of hands-on contact. You can hold, feed, change nappies and bath your baby.

The St Vincent’s is the only private hospital in Toowoomba with a level 4 special care nursery. Our level 4 special care nursery is staffed by a full time neonatal paediatrician and neonatal intensive care trained nurses.

special care nursery

Special rules for our special care nursery

The special care nursery is a secure unit. We have a limit of 2 visitors per room. All visitors must wash their hands and be accompanied by at least one parent when entering the special care nursery.

We ask that parents and visitors respect the privacy of all the babies and families, please do not wander, touch or ask about other babies.

Note: Children under 12, who are not siblings, are not permitted in the nursery, for infection reasons.

Mobile phones should be switched off. Mobile phones may interfere with equipment in the nursery.

Will my private health insurance cover this?

Check with your health fund to ensure that your baby is covered if they are admitted to the special care nursery. Some policies don’t cover this.