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No chairs for NICU mothers

Posted By NICUPARENT

"No chairs for NICU mothers"

About: Fiona Stanley Hospital / Neonatology, Paediatrics & Ward 3A

(as the patient),

I have already complained to fiona stanley patient liaison officer, nothing was done . 

The coordinated of the nicu came and told me that the NICU only has 3 recliner chairs that were donated and they cant get anymore because the hospital hasnt allocated any money for them. 

I believe this is absolutely appalling.  

I had a emergency c section to a 2 month premature baby , the next day after having to do a care call because it seemed non of your staff would listen, I was rushed into surgery 24 hours later for acute mesenteric ischemia with 2 metres of herniated bowl and my intestines had no blood supply . I had 2 major abdominal surgeries in 24 hours. 

I spend 8 hours every day at nicu with my premature baby . One morning recently I was given a plastic chair. 

I understand Kangaroo care and bonding require recliners for premature babies . The lady next to me has also been asking for a chair all day . We have both asked multiple times. 

I cant even hold my baby now for more then 15 mins because it hurts my wounds. 

No nicu mother should ever have to ask for a chair in my opinion. 

The nicu coordinated told me your 3 recliners are only for babies on ventilators. 

So it seems all the other mothers dont get priority because our babies have managed to get off ventilation yet we still have weeks/months left until we go home ..

We are also private patients

Ill have to bring a camping recliner in now just so I can hold and bond with my baby . 

I believe every baby in the nicu should have adequate seating for the parent 

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Responses

Response from Andrew Marshall, Acting Executive Director, Fiona Stanley Fremantle Group, South Metropolitan Health Service last week
We have made a change
Andrew Marshall
Acting Executive Director, Fiona Stanley Fremantle Group,
South Metropolitan Health Service

Submitted on 2/10/2025 at 3:54 PM
Published on Care Opinion Australia at 3:54 PM

picture of Andrew Marshall

Dear ‘NICUPARENT’,

Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with us. I would like to begin by acknowledging the immense physical and emotional challenges that you have faced recently, from your emergency caesarean section and subsequent surgery to spending long hours in the NICU with your newborn baby.

I’m truly sorry to hear that your concerns regarding seating in the NICU were not adequately addressed, especially given your medical condition and the importance of Kangaroo Care in supporting both maternal recovery and neonatal development. It is unacceptable that you were made to feel unheard and unsupported during this time.

Upon reviewing the situation, I’ve investigated the availability of recliner chairs in the NICU, and it appears you were unfortunately misinformed. There are more chairs available than you were led to believe, and in your case, staff should have sourced one from another area to support your comfort and recovery. I sincerely apologise that this did not happen — it was a missed opportunity to provide the care and compassion you rightly deserve.

I have escalated this issue to the NICU leadership group, to advocate for a review of current resources and funding allocations. Every parent in the NICU deserves a safe, comfortable, and supportive environment to care for their baby — regardless of ventilation status or patient category.

Furthermore, I am aware the Coordinator of Midwifery has touched base to speak with you directly to ensure this situation has been rectified.

Please know that your voice matters, and your feedback has been taken seriously.

I do hope you and your new baby are recovering well.

Kind regards

Dr Andy Marshall
A/Executive Director
FSFHG

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