Chatham-Kent is growing, and from within.
According to the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance (CKHA) 931 babies were born at the hospital over the last year. That’s up from 866 the year prior.
The busy year saw peak activity during September and October, which were the highest months for deliveries. Staff on the woman & children’s unit observed an increasing number of families choosing to make Chatham-Kent their home, reflecting the continued growth of our community and the important role the hospital plays in supporting families at every stage of life.
“It has been an incredibly rewarding year for our team, and we are honored to serve our growing community,” said Jessica Johnston, clinical manager of the women & children’s program, in a media release. “When a life is brought into this world, it is a privilege to aid in the comfort and experience of the whole family during their stay and journey at CKHA.”
The record-breaking year coincides with several enhancements to the department’s services and facilities. CKHA recently introduced a dedicated breastfeeding room to provide a private, supportive space for new parents, as well as reintroduced tours of the unit for expecting parents to see the floor and meet members of the care team in advance of giving birth.
A Panda Infant Warmer, an advanced thermoregulation system for newborn infants, was also purchased in partnership with the CKHA Foundation and the Sandra Schmirler Foundation.
“We understand how stressful it can be for families to travel outside our community for specialized medical care, especially during such a monumental milestone as the birth of a child,” said Dr. Yasser Soliman, chief physician of the women & children’s department. “By keeping our advanced neonatal and pediatric services close to home, we aren’t just providing exceptional clinical care, we are ensuring that new parents have their local support systems right beside them when they need them most.”
