With no private maternity services currently available to northern Tasmanians, mothers and newborns will now
have access to experienced postnatal care through an innovative partnership between St.LukesHealth and
Mantra Charles Hotel.
Filling a gap in the provision of northern Tasmanian maternity services, St.LukesHealth is offering eligible and all
new members the opportunity to recuperate and get to know their newest family member in a supportive
environment at Mantra Charles Hotel for up to three days after being discharged from the Launceston General
Hospital.
During this special time, new mums will have access to experienced midwifes, lactation consultants and other
specialist health professionals.
St.LukesHealth Chairman Chris Dockray said the Tasmanian private health insurance company was pleased to
offer members a personalised service where they can receive support to help them adjust to life with their new
family member and address any health or feeding concerns.
“The new postnatal care service includes car transfer from the LGH to Mantra Charles Hotel, where the new
mum will be met by a nurse to help settle everyone into their room,” said Mr Dockray.
“Here, mum can enjoy all the benefits of a well-appointed hotel, while being supported by health professionals
and their partner, who are encouraged to stay with mum and baby.”
St.LukesHealth Nursing Services Manager James Harrison said members had already expressed they would
utilise this service as an extension to their discharge for the additional intensive support soon after birth.
“These first few days when a newborn is brought home, particularly if it is your first child, can be a daunting
experience for some,” said Mr Harrison.
“This service aims to alleviate some of that stress and ensure a happy and healthy start for all.”
Mr Harrison said the new initiative did not make the hotel an extension of the LGH.
“Mum and baby are only discharged from hospital when they’re ready and well enough to go home, but instead
of going home, they will spend the first few days at the hotel, being supported by relevant health professionals,”
he said.
St.LukesHealth’s Chairman Chris Dockray described the service as an excellent initiative and an illustration of
how the private and public sector can work in partnership to support new mothers.
General Manager for Mantra Charles Hotel, Paul Seaman, said the hotel was excited to work in partnership with
St.LukesHealth to deliver this service to the Launceston community.
“Mums at the hotel will enjoy premium accommodation in an Executive Studio room with the added touches of
a feeding chair and night lights to assist in making the initial days and nights of parenthood as comfortable as
possible,” said Mr Seaman.
St.LukesHealth Chairman Chris Dockray
