The Origin family centred Maternity Hospital in Panorama opens at the end of May and is the first hospital in South Africa to offer the opportunity to give birth assisted by highly trained midwives who get to know the patient during pregnancy and stay with them throughout labour.
Obstetricians are on hand should they be required, and all the necessary medical backup is in place.
The chief operations officer of Origin, Sydney Grové (who has delivered and/or assisted with delivering over 23 000 babies) recently oversaw a Florence Nightingale dedication ceremony and taking of vows by Origin’s midwives. They all have extensive experience but have undergone intensive further training. The function was attended by various stakeholders of this venture.
Says Grové: “Midwives are a dying breed in South Africa. Unfortunately many of the good ones have gone overseas, but we are particularly fortunate to have got back from overseas – especially the Middle East – some wonderful, highly skilled midwives. We will make 100% sure that the values that Florence Nightingale instilled into the profession of nursing and nursing science will be maintained in our hospital.”
Matthys Maré referred to Origin’s vision as “incredibly bold – as it has to be when you set out on a journey to achieve something pretty incredible – and what has been achieved here is a first for the country.”
Gynaecologist and obstetrician Dr Howard Manyonga, accredited facilitator for risk management for the Professional Protection Society and member of the independent Clinical Governance Committee of Origin, said: “All of my life I have been learning from midwives, and the committee will ensure that Origin has a just culture and gives patients the care they deserve. Origin is a trailblazer in the industry.”
